Federer, 36, has skipped the clay court season for the last two years as he rests his ageing body for Wimbledon.
The Swiss star has picked his tournaments more wisely recently to give himself his best chance during the grass season.
But before the Italian Open in May, Roma legend Totti contacted the 20-time Grand Slam winner to see if he would feature in his hometown.
“It’s not that we speak to each other often. We have two different languages,” Totti said.
“But the most recent message was done before Rome Open, I wanted to know if he would play there.
“He told me he wouldn’t because he needed to prepare for a more important tournament.”
Federer’s decision to skip the clay season did not do him the desired effect as he crashed out of Wimbledon in the quarter-finals.
And Totti does not think the world No 2 will change his mind to play next year.
“It will be difficult,” Totti added.
“Also because he takes a rest during little tournaments, and rightly so.
“He is not 25 years old anymore.
“Like me, during the last times [of my career].”
Federer is not the only tennis friend of the football legend.
Juan Martin del Potro attended one of the striker’s final matches for Roma and took pictures with the retiring star before he hung up his boots last year.
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