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Federer joins Osaka out of Rome


Roger Federer gifted Greek star, Stefanos Tsitsipas a semi-final ticket in the Italian Open after announcing his withdrawal from their scheduled match on Friday, due to an injury on his right leg.
“I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete today. Rome has always been one of my favourite cities to visit and I hope to be back next year”, Federer said.
Tsitsipas will now meet the winner between World number one, Novak Djokovic and Argentine Juan Martin del Potro.
Federer was the second high profile player to withdraw from the tournament, following women’s world number one, Naomi Osaka.
The 21-year-old withdrew because of a “pain in her right hand,” organisers announced.
The Japanese star was due to meet Madrid Open champion and sixth seed Kiki Bertens for a place in the final four in Rome.
Osaka won twice on Thursday after the previous day’s play was rained off, retaining the world number one ranking ahead of Roland Garros.