Roger Federer skipping Madrid Open in anticipation of his wife giving birth

Roger Federer reached the final of the Monte Carlo Masters, where he lost to Stanislas Wawrinka. He hasn't played since. (Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Roger Federer withdrew from this week's Madrid Open to stay home with his wife Mirka as the couple prepare for the birth of their third (and fourth?) child.

"I’ve decided to withdraw from Madrid to be with my wife Mirka during these next few exciting weeks for our family," Federer wrote on his Facebook page. "I apologize to my fans and hope to be back in Madrid next year. I’ll be training near my home, and am excited to rejoin the Tour soon!"

Federer was set to play Gilles Simon in the second round, but Simon will now play lucky loser Lukas Kubot. Prior to Federer's withdrawal, Simon joked that his only hope against Federer was... Mirka:

While the Federer family has not revealed the due date, Federer's decision to skip Madrid puts in doubt his participation in next week's Italian Open as well, where he was a finalist last year. But Federer won't lose any sleep over the decision.

"I've played enough tennis matches," he said last month in Monte Carlo. "Missing a tournament or missing a match wouldn't change anything for me."