World No. 2 Federer In Limited Clay Court Events Next Season

December 5, 2008 8:50 a.m. EST

Basel, Switzerland (AHN) - Roger Federer will remain cautious not to overwork himself with a rugged schedule in 2009, opting to play in fewer clay-court tournaments before the French Open at Roland Garros.

Mindful of the tiring 2008 season that plagued his game and health, the world's no. 2 ranked men's player will limit his French Open tuneup to only two events-the Masters series tournaments in Rome and Madrid.

Unlike this year's four-tournament stint on clay surfaces, the Swiss star chose to cut back on games where he's not had much success.

The grand slam in Paris remains the only title that has eluded Federer's grip in his storied career.

Federer slipped to a 66-15 record in 2008, the fewest victories he has amassed in a five-year span.

He also finished a dismal 0-9 in the ATP Masters Series, losing to the finals twice-in Monte Carlo and Hamburg.

He dropped his third straight finals defeat at Roland Garros to nemesis Rafael Nadal and was held to just one Grand Slam title, a feat that last occurred in 2003.

Worse, Federer lost the no. 1 ranking for the first time in the last five years.

He gets to right the ship next month via three warmup events before the January 19 Australian Open, where he was a semifinalist last year.