Federer pulls out of Stockholm Open

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - 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.

Swiss Federer, who lost the French Open and Wimbledon finals to Spaniard Rafael Nadal before winning the U.S. Open, said he hoped to play again before the end of the year.

"I was always playing catch up after being diagnosed with mononucleosis at the beginning of the year," Federer said in a statement released by the tournament organisers.

"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."