LONDON – Roger Federer has been forced to withdraw from the Dubai championships starting on Monday because of a lung infection, the ATP said on their website (www.atpworldtour.com) on Sunday.

The ATP said the world number one was now expected to return to action for the first time since winning the Australian Open at the World Tour Masters tournament in Indian Wells starting on March 11.

Swiss Federer, a four-times former champion in Dubai, will be replaced in the draw by Spaniard Tommy Robredo.