Federer would skip tennis to be with wife, newborn

Roger Federer of Switzerland, returns the ball to Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic during their match of the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters tournament in Monaco, Wednesday, April 16, 2014. AP

MONACO — Roger Federer is prepared to skip tournaments — including possibly the French Open — to be with his wife when she gives birth again.

Federer, who has twin daughters with wife Mirka, announced on Dec. 24 they are expecting their third child, although they have not said when.

The 32-year-old Federer says on Wednesday at the Monte Carlo Masters that he still does not know the exact date.

But asked if he would be prepared to miss the French Open, which runs from May 25-June 8, the 17-time Grand Slam champion hinted that he would, saying “at the moment we hope it’s not going to be that way. If it is, that’s what it is, you know.”

Federer, who has played in every Grand Slam since 2000, adds that “missing a match wouldn’t change anything for me.”