World number two Roger Federer has announced that he will not be competing in the upcoming tournament in Dubai and the Davis Cup, because he is still in the process of recovering from a back injury.

At the conclusion of the Australian Open, Federer was denied a record-equaling 14th Grand Slam title as he was defeated by long-time rival Rafael Nadal.

“I am disappointed to announce that I am withdrawing from both Dubai and the Davis Cup tie in the United States,” Federer said on his Web site last Tuesday. “This was a hard decision to make as I am missing not only one of my favorite events on tour in Dubai but I am also missing out on an opportunity to help my country try and move on to the next round of Davis Cup.”

He added, “After injuring my back last fall, I did not have enough time to strengthen it completely.” The Swiss player also reaffirmed that he is pulling out of the tournaments as a “precautionary measure.” He will be using the next few weeks to strengthen his back, in preparation for the rest of the 2009 season.

Federer’s next target is the French Open at Roland Garros, Paris.