Federer to miss French Open

Roger Federer will not contest the French Open after having surgery on a troublesome right knee.

The Swiss champ announced on social media that it had been causing him some pain for some time.

The 38-year-old underwent surgery in Switzerland and will also miss a number of big tournaments leading into the second major of the year.

"My right knee has been bothering me for a little while. I hoped it would go away, but after an examination, and discussion with my team, I decided to have arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland yesterday," Federer said.

"After the procedure, the doctors confirmed that it was the right thing to have done and are very confident of a full recovery. As a result, I will unfortunately have to miss Dubai, Indian Wells, Bogota, Miami and the French Open. I am grateful for everyone's support.

Federer has only won the French Open on one occasion in 2009.

IMAGE: Sky Sports UK.