Federer has played 92 matches so far in 2006

The world number one has not played in Paris since 2003, and the news comes after his main rival Rafael Nadal also withdrew with an abdominal injury.

Federer has been busy recently, winning in Tokyo, Madrid and beating Fernando Gonzalez in Sunday's Basle final.

"This is my 92nd match of the season, I have to be careful," said Federer after beating Gonzalez on Sunday.

Tournament co-director Alain Riou said: "He's scared of pushing too hard, so he'd rather not take the risk."

And fellow tournament co-director, and former player, Cedric Pioline, called for players to be suspended for missing tournaments.

We have the greatest respect for Roger Federer and we have no complaints about his attitude Alain Riou, Tournament co-director

"There's a problem with the structure of the calendar between Masters Series events and other tournaments," he said.

"The only penalty of any use would be suspension. It's the only thing the players understand because financial penalties won't make any difference."

However, Riou said: "We have the greatest respect for Roger Federer and we have no complaints about his attitude.

"He was ready to come here to answer questions from the media and to pass a medical but we told him there was no need."

Nadal suffered his injury last week in training but hopes to be fit for the Masters Cup, starting on 12 November.

"I started to notice the injury on Thursday, but I didn't think about withdrawing because I thought it was only stiffness," said the 20-year-old.

"But on Saturday morning I felt it and decided to have the scan."

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The scan diagnosed a small tear to an abdominal muscle and the Spaniard decided not to risk aggravating it.

He will now rest for a week before undergoing a scan to assess whether he is ready to resume training ahead of the season finale in Shanghai.

"Paris holds a special place in my heart because of my two wins at Roland Garros," he added.

"But the doctors have ordered a week's rest. Now I hope to be ready for the Masters Cup.

"Maybe I haven't played well of late, but I believe I'm at a good level and confident I can start showing it in Shanghai."