• Madrid Open

Federer could return for French Open after birth of twins

ESPN staff
May 7, 2014
Roger Federer announced the birth of his new sons Leo and Lenny on Tuesday © Getty Images
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Roger Federer could return to action at the French Open after becoming the father of twins for the second time.

Federer announced the birth of his new sons Leo and Lenny on his official Twitter account on Tuesday, having withdrawn from the Madrid Open earlier in the day in order to be with his wife Mirka.

He was the second top four player to pull out of the tournament in three days, with world No.2 Novak Djokovic announcing his withdrawal on Sunday due to a right arm injury.

Three-time Madrid champion Federer, who also has twin daughters with Mirka, had admitted last month he was prepared to miss the French Open - which begins on May 25 - for the birth of his children.

However with 19 days still to go before Roland Garros gets underway, Federer is likely to compete though he could still miss next week's Rome Masters.

Federer, who won in Madrid in 2006, 2009 and 2012, had issued a statement on his Facebook page on Tuesday that read: "I've decided to withdraw from Madrid to be with my wife Mirka during these next few exciting weeks for our family.

"I apologise to my fans and hope to be back in Madrid next year. I'll be training near my home, and am excited to rejoin the Tour soon!"

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