Federer pulls out of Japan Open, Shanghai Masters

Tokyo: Roger Federer pulled out of next month's Japan Open and Shanghai ATP Masters 1000, the Japan Tennis Association said on Friday.

The top-ranked Federer told organizers he was withdrawing from the October 5-11 Japan Open to rest after a physically challenging year.

"After consultation with my team and doctors, I decided to take the difficult decision to withdraw from both tournaments," Federer said in a statement.

"This will allow me a chance to give my body a chance to rest, rehabilitate and recover from a physically challenging year."

The Shanghai tournament is scheduled for October 12-18.

It is the second time Federer has pulled out of the Japan Open just before the start of the tournament. He also cited fatigue as his reason for withdrawing from the 2007 event.

"I'm disappointed that I have to withdraw from Tokyo and Shanghai as they are two of my favorite cities," Federer said. "The fans have been great to me over the years."

U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Murray are scheduled to take part in the $1.3 million Japan Open.