Skip to content

Roger Federer weighs in on abundance of early retirements

Reuters

With yesterday's early withdrawals of Jack Sock and Denis Istomin, the number of players to retire early during this year's US Open has risen to an alarming 14 - equaling the Grand Slam record after only two rounds.

Related - Denis Istomin becomes record 12th man to withdraw from 2015 US Open

Speaking to reporters following his one-sided defeat of Belgian Steve Darcis Thursday evening, Federer gave his two cents on the much-discussed matter.

"It was more on the warmer side, but it's not impossible, to be honest."

Even with temperatures of 33C, the five-time US Open champ thinks players should be fit enough to overcome the conditions, regardless of how challenging they may be.

"I know we don't play many best-of-five-set matches all the time, so of course the body can react funny once you exceed the two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half hours of play."

Federer continued, "I think you have to analyze case by case. But I think other players should be so fit that heat really shouldn't matter at that point."

The 34-year-old 17-time Grand Slam champ will be hoping to continue his brilliant run of form against 29th seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber Saturday evening.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox