MADRID (AFP) - Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer withdrew from the Madrid Masters on Monday citing a back injury.

However, the world No. 3 remains hopeful that he will be fit to play in the Rome Masters next week as part of his preparation for the French Open later this month.

"There's no feeling that I can practice so at this point I don't want to take more chances, as I know I won't be fully ready for Wednesday," said Federer, 34. "I want to play it safe, rest up and get ready for Rome, that's the schedule now."

The Swiss has missed nearly three months of the season due to knee surgery.