STOCKHOLM, Oct 3: World number two Roger Federer said on Wednesday he had pulled out of next week’s Stockholm Open because he needed a break from competition after a tough year.

“I was always playing catch up after being diagnosed with mononucleosis at the beginning of the year,” Federer said.

“I feel fortunate to be healthy again, but I want to remain at the top of the game for many more years to come and go after the number one ranking again.”—Reuters