Roger Federer confident of fitness for French Open

After pulling out of a tournament for the fifth time this year, Roger Federer moved to allay any fears that his injury troubles could rule him out of the French Open.

On Monday, Federer was forced to withdraw from the Madrid Open due to back pain.

Following knee surgery and a subsequent stomach virus earlier in the year, the 34-year-old returned to action at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the last eight.

Monday's announcement raised fears over his participation at Roland Garros in three weeks, but the 17-time major winner attempted to dispel any such concerns.

"I am frustrated. I'm a little sad of course not to be playing here," Federer said in a media conference.

"The goal has always been that I'm at a 100 per cent when the French comes around. Hopefully, if not, then latest Wimbledon.

"That's always been the case ever since I stepped into the operation room, to be honest. This is not the knee, it's the back, so it's different. Clearly it's not a help.

"Nevertheless, I've been able to practice as much as I've wanted to. I came back on tour quicker than I thought I would. So in terms of schedule, I guess I still am still somewhat on par.

"Then only, how do you say, time will tell if I'll be fine at the French. I do believe I have chances there. The problem in the past has been more Rafa [Nadal] than the clay itself.

"If you take Rafa out of the equation I would've had an amazing clay court career. I still with him I've had a great clay court career."