Instead he will concentrate on the the grass and hard court tournaments later this season.

The 18-time major champion posted confirmed his decision on social media.

He won event in 2009.

t’s the second year in a row that Federer pulled out the French Open after battling back and knee problems in 2016.

“I’ve been working really hard, both on and off the court, during the last month,” Federer wrote, “but in order to try and play on the ATP World Tour for many years to come, I feel it’s best to skip the clay court season this year.”

Clay is considered the most physically demanding tennis surfaces.