Dubai: Roger Federer's withdrawal yesterday from the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships because of a lung infection has thrown open the $2-million (Dh7.3-million) event which starts at the Aviation Club today.
In the world number one's absence, defending champion Novak Djokovic becomes the top seed in the ATP event, with emerging talents Andy Murray, Nokolay Davydenko and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga all hoping to cash in on Federer's absence.
Although this is the second successive year that the Swiss star has withdrawn from the tournament, following his withdrawal 12 months ago with a back injury, the organisers are confident that there is enough depth and star power in the six-day event.
"It's unfortunate that Dubai has not been able to have Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick here at the same time. But I think we've got enough names to ensure yet another week of superb tennis before us," Tournament director Salah Tahlak told Gulf News.
"We've got some good matches tomorrow [Monday] with Marcos Baghdatis and Gilles Simon and then we have Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray up later in the evening," Tahlak said.
"We are sad Federer's not going to be playing here. Health comes first and we wish him a quick recovery."
Federer, who revealed that he had contracted a lung infection last Tuesday, told media assembled in front of the Burj Al Arab that he was "disappointed" he could not play.
"This is the first time I've had it. The breathing is difficult now and I feel I'm not fine yet. I am tired and the doctor says I should not be doing any serious sports for at least another two weeks and I can't take any chances," he said.
Federer, however, hinted he would be around in Dubai. "For me this is a home tournament, so I am disappointed I cannot play here. I've been unlucky that I've not been too much on court here for the last three years now. But I will be hanging around here. I will come around on Tuesday night for the players' party," he said.
