Novak: You know, Roger is very smart

LONDON: Roger Federer made a smart decision by pulling out of this month’s French Open, where he has less chance of adding to his 18 grand slam titles than on the sport’s quicker surfaces, world number two Novak Djokovic said.

Federer, who announced his withdrawal from the May 28 – June 11 claycourt major on Monday, said he felt he needed to avoid playing on clay this season to help prolong his career.

“You know, he’s very smart in his decision-making ... He knows what he’s doing,” 12-times major winner Djokovic, pictured, said.

“Of course he’s aware he has much better chance to win big trophies on quicker surfaces.”

Federer defied age and logic to win the Australian Open in January after a knee injury kept him out of tennis for six months, and followed that up with two more high-profile titles at Indian Wells and Miami.

The 35-year-old, fifth-ranked Swiss is now focused on being in top form for Wimbledon, which begins on July 3 and where he is a seven-times champion. “Grass obviously is where he feels the most comfortable,” Djokovic said.

Meanwhile, World number one Andy Murray will be ready for Roland Garros despite his poor recent form, nine-time French Open champion Rafa Nadal has said.

Nadal has won all three clay competitions this season while Murray struggled in Madrid and Monte Carlo and lost out in the semi-finals in Barcelona.

Since the start of the year, Murray has won just one of seven tournaments but Nadal is confident the Briton will be prepared for the French Open.

“He’s a great player, unbelievable player,” said Nadal.

“He will be ready for Roland Garros.”