Federer to miss DDF Tennis Championships due to knee surgery

Roger Federer will miss this year's Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships as he recovers from a knee surgery. The 17-time grand slam champ has had an operation to repair a torn meniscus, and is also likely to miss a tournament in Rotterdam. Tournament Director Salah Tahlak said today: “Seven-time champion Roger Federer is a great friend of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and a hugely popular player with our tennis fans. However, injuries do happen and we join his fans in wishing him a speedy recovery following his arthroscopic knee surgery. Our plans are well underway to welcome a great field of players. We look forward to welcoming Roger back next year when we mark the 25th anniversary of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.” Meanwhile, fresh from his Australian Open win, world number one Novak Djokovic is set to descend on the emirate for the event along with other top seeded players, including women's world number one Serena Williams. The tournament kicks off on February 15 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.