Tennis star Roger Federer on Wednesday reversed his decision to play in January’s ATP Cup in Australia, citing family and sporting reasons.

“After much discussion with both my family and my team about the year ahead, I have decided that the extra two weeks at home will be beneficial for both my family and my tennis,” organisers quoted the former world No.1 as saying.

“It pains me to not be a part of the most exciting new event on the calendar, but this is the right thing to do if I want to continue to play for a longer period of time on the ATP Tour.”

The inaugural ATP Cup team tournament takes place January 3-12 in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. The Australian Open begins in Melbourne on January 20.

Federer, 38, is increasingly careful in managing his schedule and withdrew from this week’s Paris Masters after winning his 10th Basel Indoors title last Sunday.