Far East events a trip too far for fatigued Federer

Roger Federer has followed medical advice by withdrawing from next month's Japan Open and Shanghai Masters in order to rest.

The Swiss reclaimed the world No1 spot from Rafael Nadal this year by winning the French Open and Wimbledon but admits a tough schedule has taken its toll.

"After consultation with my team and doctors, I decided to take the difficult decision to withdraw from both tournaments so that I can give my body a chance to rest, rehabilitate and fully recover from a physically challenging year," said Federer who lost to Juan Martin del Potro in the final of this month's US Open.

Nadal pulled out of next week's Thailand Open with an abdominal injury but both he and Federer have already qualified for the end-of-season Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.