By DPA,
Dubai : Roger Federer made a surprise withdrawal from the Barclays Championships Sunday after contracting a lung infection, which doctors say will take a fortnight to clear.
The world Number One, who has not played since beating Andy Murray for the Australian Open title, picked up the problem last week, an ATP official said.
Federer, who bases himself in Dubai for training, had returned to the emirate after touring one of the schools for impoverished youngsters he funds in the south of the continent of Africa.
The Swiss player’s place in the draw for the event which begins Monday was taken by Spaniard Tommy Robredo.
Federer missed the event in 2009 with injury and lost in the first round in 2008. He won the tournament in 2003-2005 and lost the 2006 final to Rafael Nadal.
If Federer makes his recovery in two weeks as doctors expect, he could be ready for the Indian Wells Masters in California starting in mid-March.