Roger Federer Withdraws from Dubai Championships

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Roger Federer withdrew on Sunday from the Dubai Championships because of a lung infection.

Organizers said that the top-ranked Swiss star
picked up the infection last week and will miss the $2 million event,
which starts Monday, for the second straight year.

A four-time winner in Dubai, Federer will rest for two weeks and is expected to return at Indian Wells on March 11.

"I'm hoping to be back for Indian Wells. But
of course, there are no promises," Federer said. "This is something
that will be finished only with proper treatment.

"I've been taking it easy, relaxing as much as
possible. My breathing is a bit difficult and everything feels a bit
slow. I can't take any chances until I'm fit again. It could be better,
it could be worse."

Jan Hernych of the Czech Republic replaces him in the main draw.

Andy Roddick, the 2008 champion, withdrew from the tournament on Saturday.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic, Australian
Open runner-up Andy Murray, Nikolay Davydenko, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and
Marin Cilic are the top-10 ranked players in the field at the hardcourt
event.