'Federer knew he'd have no chance of beating Nadal'

Aussie tennis great Todd Woodbridge says Roger Federer's decision to withdraw from the French Open is in part down to the renewed dominance of Rafael Nadal in 2017.

Federer will be absent from Roland Garros for the second-straight year after missing the entire clay court season following his stunning start to 2017.

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The 35-year-old revealed on Tuesday his decision to skip the second major in order to "try and play on the ATP World Tour for many years to come" and that "scheduling will be the key to my longevity".

Federer's focus will now be on trying to win a record eighth Wimbledon title at in July.

After having lost to Federer in the finals at the Australian Open and Miami Masters – as well as in the fourth round at Indian Wells – Nadal has dominated with three titles in a row on clay in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid.

Nadal and Federer. Image: Getty

The Spaniard has reeled off 15 straight wins and is now the outstanding favourite to win a 10th title in Paris.

And Woodbridge reckons such form was central to Federer's decision to postpone his return to competitive tennis.

"I think it's very clear when you sit back and look at Federer's schedule for the year – the French was never on it," he told Tennis Mash.

"And if all of a sudden he says, 'oh I might have a go', then he goes off his plan, and that could derail the rest of the year.

"I think he's watched Rafa and seen the amazing form Rafa's in, and realised he'd have no chance of beating him on a surface on which Rafa has always dominated him throughout the years.

Woodbridge. Image: Getty

"Even if he was to meet Rafa, let's say in the Roland Garros final with three wins against him already under his belt this year, it's a script that's been written before. It would be a replay of those years that Nadal dominated him on clay."

Federer has been beaten four times by Nadal in French Open finals, and trails the head-to-head rivalry 23-14 despite having won each of the last four contests.

"I don't see this decision putting any more pressure on him to perform well at the All England Club," the Australian added.

"Yet there is one pressure that Roger wasn't anticipating, and that's Rafa's form.

"Looking ahead to Wimbledon, the showdown will be the most anticipated story, with these two being the favourites and on course for a potential head-to-head match to rival this year's Australian Open final.

"Federer's goal since winning in Australia has to be winning another Wimbledon – potentially a record eighth title. That's his motivation now.

"Skipping Roland Garros simply resets him for the second half of 2017, which then quite unexpectedly will become a race for No.1 between him and Rafa."

Nadal himself says Federer's decision is "logical" given that he has been inactive for several months.

"Everybody does what feels better for them," Nadal said.

"If he doesn't play one tournament before the French (Open), it's normal that he finally skip the French, no?"

Nadal suggested that the decision was made well ahead of its announcement and would have been taken as a strategy move by the 35-year-old's coaching team.

"Probably he had that decision before. Probably he didn't want to announce before," speculated Nadal, who has won three clay titles in three events competed in this season.

"But thinking in a logical way, it would be strange if you don't play on clay in one event and then you start on the biggest one, playing best of five."

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Novak Djokovic delivered a similar response and believes the Swiss has earned the right to swerve such events in the twilight of his career.

"At this stage in his life, and especially with the beginning of the season he had, I mean, he's been so successful throughout his career that he doesn't need necessarily to chase the points or play all the tournaments," Djokovic said.

"You know, he's very smart in his decision-making and scheduling. He knows what he's doing, I'm sure.

"Of course he's aware he has much better chance to win big trophies on quicker surfaces. Grass obviously is where he feels the most comfortable. I'm not too surprised with this decision."

with AAP and International Business Times