"I don't see why Roger Federer would not play at Roland Garros" - Marc Rosset
Roger Federer's summer schedule has been under the scanner ever since Roland Garros announced a week's delay due to the sharp rise in positive COVID-19 cases in France. The postponement means there will only be a two-week gap between the French Open final and the first round at Wimbledon - one of Federer's main goals this year.
In that context, former Swiss No. 1 Marc Rosset has suggested that Roger Federer should play the French Open because it would be the best possible preparation for Wimbledon.
"I do not see why Roger (Federer) would not play at Roland Garros," Rosset told L'Equipe. "There, he is on the physical preparation with Pierre Paganini. But afterwards, you have to go on the field, play games."
Federer is expected to start his clay season at the Madrid Masters next month. But the Roland Garros postponement could lead to the Swiss' absence from Paris, as the Noventi Open in Halle is set to kick off the day after the French Open final.
The 39-year-old is reportedly confirmed to play the Halle tournament this year as well as in 2022.
Marc Rosset, however, believes it would make sense for the 20-time Grand Slam champion to play in Paris - and even better if he were to reach the semifinal.
"If he (Roger Federer) were to reach the semi-final, it would be the best preparation for Wimbledon," the Swiss said.
Roger Federer boasts an 80% career win rate at Roland Garros
Over the years, clay has come to be seen as Roger Federer's weakest surface. But the Swiss has a strong record at Roland Garros, including some memorable encounters.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion reached three consecutive finals in Paris between 2006 and 2008 - losing all three to Rafael Nadal. He finally got his hands on the trophy in 2009, completing the career Grand Slam in the process.
Federer overturned a two-set deficit in the fourth round against Tommy Haas and outlasted Juan Martin del Potro 3-6 7-6 2-6 6-1 6-4 in the semifinals on his way to the title that year.
The Swiss reached the final again in 2011, defeating Novak Djokovic in a thrilling semifinal. Federer eventually lost to Nadal in four sets in the championship match.
Although he's won fewer and lost more matches in Paris than at any other Grand Slam, Roger Federer has thrown up some classic moments at the tournament. His 80% career win rate at the event is remarkable considering his 20-year long run at the Slams.
Roger Federer has proven he still has the chops to contend at the event, having reached the semifinals in his last appearance in 2019 (where he lost to Rafael Nadal again). If he skips the tournament this year, it ould be a major commercial loss for Roland Garros - who will already be suffering from a reduced capacity crowd for the second consecutive year.