Roger Federer claims he is "eager to start competing again", says he feels like he's a "young man"
Roger Federer is scheduled to make his return to the ATP tour at the claycourt event in Geneva, which begins on 16 May. Federer's last outing on clay was almost two years ago, at Roland Garros 2019, where he was defeated by Rafael Nadal in the semifinals.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion recently spoke about his preparation levels ahead of his comeback. Federer claimed that he feels like a 'young man', and that the Geneva event marks the start of a very important period for him.
"I am very anxious and very eager to start competing again, feeling like a player again," Federer said. "I feel like I'm a young man. My knee, my joints are much better. I hope that what is missing in 2021 will be exciting, because we are getting closer to normal, even if the virus is still present."
The Geneva Open will be Roger Federer's only tournament on clay in the lead-up to the French Open. The Swiss is also scheduled to play a grasscourt tune-up event in Halle, before his two biggest goals this season - Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics.
Roger Federer had to spend over a year on the sidelines after undergoing two surgeries on his knee. He returned to competitive tennis in Doha earlier this year, where he defeated Dan Evans in the second round before falling to eventual champion Nikoloz Basilashvili in the quarterfinals.
Although Federer had initially entered both the Dubai Open and the Madrid Masters, he chose to withdraw from those tournaments to work further on his fitness.
"I am a more balanced player now" - Roger Federer on why he is eager to get back to competitive tennis
Roger Federer went on to reveal that he can't wait to compete in matches, while also asserting that his playing style is more balanced now than it was before.
"I really can’t wait any longer to play matches," the Swiss said. "I am a more balanced player (now)."
The 39-year-old further claimed that adjustments in his training sessions and improved racket technology are helping him play better today than how he did at 20 years of age.
"Over time I have been able to adjust the details in my playing style, my footwork and the technology of my rackets that make me able to play better now than when I was 20 years old," Federer said.
Federer will now be hoping to put together a deep run in Geneva and get as many matches under his belt as possible before Roland Garros. He will be joined by the likes of Denis Shapovalov, Cristian Garin and Casper Ruud in the Swiss city.