Evert behind Federer's French Open withdrawal: "He's paid his dues, his goal is Wimbledon"

Roger Federer's decision to withdraw from the French Open after fighting his way through his fourth round tie with Dominik Koepfer left a bitter note for some on his return to Roland Garros.

But for seven-time French Open winner, Chris Evert, she believes he had every right to make this decision and backed it accordingly.

"I think Roger has free rein to do whatever he wants," Evert told Reuters.

"He has paid his dues, he's 39, his goal is Wimbledon on the grass, his dream tournament, where the rallies are shorter and it favours mobility and power.

"I think he surprised himself that he got to the second week of the French. I think he was using it as practice matches but obviously with the wear and tear, when he hasn't played for such a long time, takes its toll on a 39-year-old body.

"I'm 100% behind him and it shouldn't be a knock to the tournament. He wants to be the best prepared for Wimbledon."