PARIS, Oct 30: Roger Federer has withdrawn from the ATP Cup, a new team competition to be held in Australia in January, citing �family reasons�.
�It is with great regret that I am withdrawing from the inaugural ATP Cup event,� Federer said in a statement.
�When I entered the event last month, it was a really difficult decision because it meant less time at home with the family and a fully intense start to the season.
�After much discussion with both my family and my team about the year ahead, I have decided that the extra two weeks at home will be beneficial for both my family and my tennis.�
The World No. 3, 38 years old, withdrew on Monday from this week�s Masters 1000 tournament in Paris, two hours before the start also saying he needed to rest.
The ATP Cup organisers tweeted: �@rogerfederer announced that he would not play the #ATPCup for family reasons and therefore Switzerland was removed� from the competition.
The ATP Cup is a new competition which competes with the revamped Davis Cup and will be held in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney from January 3-12.
�It pains me to not be a part of the most exciting new event on the calendar,� Federer said.
�But this is the right thing to do if I want to continue to play for a longer period of time on the ATP Tour.�
�For my Australian fans, I look forward to seeing you all at the Australian Open, fresh and ready to go.� � AFP
