Roger Federer's Absence Will Not Harm Rogers Cup, Tournament Director Says

Rogers Cup tournament director Karl Hale put a positive spin on Roger Federer’s absence at the Masters Series event in Montreal but made it clear the fans are in for a treat despite the absence of the Swiss maestro.

The 36-year-old revealed Monday he will be skipping the Rogers Cup as he does not want to overload his schedule in the fear of suffering a burnout. He is keen to prolong his career and admitted limiting his work load is key to ensuring he continues playing on the ATP tour.

Federer was the losing finalist at the Rogers Cup in 2017 – falling to Alexander Zverev in the summit clash – and is a popular figure in Canada with all his five matches reported to have been sold out. Despite his absence, Hale is confident the tournament starting Aug. 4 will be a success.

The Rogers Cup tournament director admitted the 2018 event is the most “exciting in recent memory” after it was confirmed nine of the world top 10 ranked men’s singles players will take part in the event. World number one Rafael Nadal, 2018 Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic and 2017 champion Zverev will be present.

Apart from past champions, home favorites Milos Raonic and Denis Shapovalov, who beat Nadal in the third round last season are also part of the draw. Hale is confident Federer’s absence will not be noticed owing to the strong contingent of men’s players that are descending on Montreal in the coming week.

“We are excited to have nine of the top 10 on the ATP World Tour at the Rogers Cup, but it’s unfortunate that we won’t have Roger in Toronto this summer,” Hale said ahead of the Rogers Cup, as quoted on Tennis World USA.

“With current world no. 1 Rafael Nadal, Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic plus Toronto’s hometown heroes in Milos and Denis legitimate title threats, this year’s entry list is one of the most exciting in recent memory.

“With the improvements we have made around the site and the festival of events we have planned, fans are in for a real treat,” the Canadian Open tournament director added.

World number two Federer’s gap to Nadal at the top of the rankings will further widen as he will lose 600 points due to his absence. The current gap between the top two ranked player’s stands at 2,230 points and the Spaniard is only defending 180 points in Canada having lost in the third round in 2017.

The Swiss ace is expected to return to action at the Cincinnati Masters that begins Aug. 12 and it will be his only tournament ahead of the fourth Grand Slam of the year — the US Open — at Flushing Meadows in New York.