Roger Federer: Why Withdrawing from Paris Masters Is a Wise Move

Roger Federer might disappoint fans by not participating in the upcoming Paris Masters, but it is a smart move for the veteran's career. 

He announced the decision shortly after losing to Juan Martin del Potro in the finals of the ATP Swiss Indoors in his hometown of Basel, Switzerland. 

When asked about the tournament in Paris, he told the media (via ESPN):

"

I'm not going. It's the only right decision for me. I had some niggling stuff and I didn't want to take a chance obviously before the World Tour Finals. I need some time to prepare.

"

If there is any sort of injury, resting up is a good thing. The 31-year-old pro does not need to risk missing additional action by trying to play hurt.

While he did not blame the loss to del Potro on an injury, Federer did not look 100 percent during the three-set defeat. 

Federer remains the No. 1 player in the world rankings and has little to prove at the Paris Masters.

He won Wimbledon this season for his first Grand Slam since early 2010, and his six tournament wins were his most since 2007. Just when people thought he was on the decline, he comes back with one of the best years of his career.

However, the ATP World Tour Finals are worth the effort. This prestigious event provides players with a nice amount of prize money and up to 1,500 points for the rankings. Federer needs to perform well in order to keep ahead of Novak Djokovic for the top spot in the world.

The Swiss player has won the year-end championship six times in the last nine years. These wins, along with his record 17 Grand Slams, are the reason he is considered one of the best of all time.

Federer should once again be a favorite in the London tournament as he tries to win for the seventh time in his career.

Still, this would not be possible if he aggravates an existing injury before the tournament begins. He is making a smart decision by skipping the next event and preparing for the November championship.

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