Federer says he needs a break after his French Open win

World number two Roger Federer has opted not to defend his Gerry Weber Open title, citing exhaustion after his historic French Open triumph.

Federer claimed a record equalling 14th Grand Slam title with victory at Roland Garros on Sunday with his straight-sets triumph over Robin Soderling.

He normally uses the Halle grass-court event to prepare for Wimbledon.

"I sincerely apologise to the tournament organisers, my competitors, and my fans in Germany," said Federer.

"I only hope they will understand that I still feel emotionally overwhelmed and exhausted by the incredible events of the past few days.

"It is hard for me to admit, but I simply cannot imagine giving my best effort in another tournament right away.

"I don't want to risk injury if I am not 100% prepared. I need to rest and recuperate."

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The French Open was the only major that had been missing from Federer's CV and winning it saw him equal Pete Sampras's Grand Slam record.

Federer has won the Halle tournament five times and only his withdrawal in 2007 broke his winning run since his first triumph in 2003.

In his absence in Halle, world number four Novak Djokovic is favourite to win, and he opened with a 7-5 6-2 win over Simone Bolelli on Tuesday.

The Serb wrapped up the match in 84 minutes and will now face France's Florent Serra in the second round.

"I knew he has a strong forehand and I kept him moving around the court, so I deserved the win," said Djokovic.

Elsewhere world number nine Jo-Wilfried Tsonga eased to victory with a 7-5 6-2 win over French compatriot Fabrice Santoro.

The 24-year-old had few problems against Santoro, 36, who is retiring at the end of the season.

"He served very well, he put me under pressure and he moved very well," said Santoro. "I didn't have a break point. I didn't do anything wrong, but nothing exceptional either."

Tsonga faces a harder second-round match against Germany's former world number two Tommy Haas.

Local favourite Mischa Zverev reached the second round with a 6-2 6-4 victory over Australia's Joseph Sirianni.

Zverev will now play 2007 Halle champion Tomas Berdych in the next round.

Third seed Fernando Verdasco was the biggest casualty on Tuesday, defeated 3-6 7-6 (5) 6-4 by Germany's Philipp Petzschner.

Seventh seed Jurgen Melzer battled back from a set down to defeat Arnaud Clement while Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber, beat compatriot Bjorn Phau.

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