Federer Injured: Will Miss Dubai Open

Though his tennis playing abilities and endurance might make him seem superhuman, Roger Federer's illness, a common lung infection, has shown that he too is a mere mortal, almost like the rest of us. Almost being the key word; winning 16 Men's Grand Slam titles is something that probably no one will manage. However, Federer is suffering from a lung infection, which will see him miss as much as 6 weeks from the tour. This means he will have to skip the Dubai Open, where he has won 4 times so far, and also some other tournaments that he was preparing for, maybe even the Indian Wells tournament on March 11.

Federer seemed all set to get a fifth Dubai Open crown, in the process taking back the title from Novak Djokovic, but unfortunately, this illness will keep him from that. Doctors have advised at least 2 weeks rest period, with no tennis played at all. In fact, though Federer went ahead to Dubai to practice for the tournament, he was physically unable to do so, feeling very tired and finding it very difficult to breathe. And though doctors have advised a 2 week rest period, this could easily extend to 6 weeks to cure completely.

In Federer's words, "On Wednesday I couldn't get up anymore - and the next day I just wasn't in shape at all," he said. "It's a lung infection - it's the first time I've had it - breathing is difficult - I feel I am not fine, I'm still very tired and slow." The doctors say it's too serious for me to try - and that I should rest for at least two weeks - obviously I can't take any more chances." And for a 16 time Grand Slam champion, that is absolutely right. He does not need to take any chances at all.

After the Dubai Open, Federer was scheduled to play at Indian Wells, but depending on his health, he may skip that as well. He more or less confirmed that saying, "There are no guarantees that I will play at Indian Wells - this could be a maximum of six weeks, but if it's treated properly everything should be fine and I should be back fairly quickly."

Federer's withdrawal from the Dubai Open gives Novak Djokovic the top seed, and a chance at retaining this title. It also benefits Jan Hernych, who will now get to play in the tournament, after being the last man to be knocked out in qualifying.

Luckily for Federer, the next big Grand Slam is quite some time away, giving him ample time to rest and recover fully before the French Open in May. His millions of fans will be disappointed though, as for them, and indeed for the rest of the tennis community, tennis without Roger Federer will seem incomplete.