Federer pulls out of Halle event

The world number one, who has won at Halle for the last four years, reached the final in Paris before going down in four gruelling sets to Rafael Nadal.

Federer said in a statement posted on his official website: "In an attempt to prevent injury after the long final in Paris, I cannot defend my title at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle. I look forward to returning in 2008."