Roger Federer says he won’t play clay court season, skips French Open

Roger Federer, who opted out of the clay court season last year, confirmed the plan after falling 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to Australian qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round of the Miami Masters.

Roger Federer won’t go for a 21st Grand Slam title at the French Open, with the 36-year-old Swiss great saying Saturday he’ll skip the clay-court season.

Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a forehand against Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia (not pictured) on Day 5 of the Miami Open at Tennis Center at Crandon Park. (USA Today Sports)

Federer, who opted out of the clay season last year, confirmed the plan after falling 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to Australian qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round of the Miami Masters.

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“I decided not to play the clay season,” said Federer, who won his 20th Grand Slam tournament at the Australian Open in January, but will lose the world number one ranking to Rafael Nadal after his shock defeat.