Three-time grand slam champion Lindsay Davenport believes Roger Federer’s decision to play in Rotterdam next week is a good sign of his current fitness.
The Swiss 36-year-old has accepted a wildcard into the ATP 500 event, which is held at the Ahoy Rotterdam. Federer will have a chance of creating history if he produces a deep run at the event. If he reaches at least the semifinals, he will return to world No.1 for the first time since 2012. Becoming the oldest-ever No.1. Beating Andre Agassi’s previous record of 33 years and 131 days set in 2003.
“This is big news and it certainly signals to everybody how big getting back to number one is to Roger Federer,” Davenport told the Tennis Channel.
Davenport, who spent 98 weeks as world No.1 during her career, believes Federer’s wildcard entry is also a tactical move by him. The Swiss player will have a wide range of points to defend over the coming week. He is the reigning champion in Indian Wells and Miami. Two Masters 1000 tournaments that will take place next month.
“He has a lot of points to defend later in the year – 1000 points at Indian Wells where he won last year, 1000 points in Miami where he also won.” She explained.
“So he might look at that as a window to get to that number one ranking.
“I’m thrilled that he is able to play in Rotterdam but it also shows that even after winning another major and playing seven matches, his body is healthy.
“It’s really great signs for Fed.”
Federer, who recently won his 20th grand slam title at the Australian Open, trails Rafael Nadal by 145 points in the race to the top of the ATP Emirates rankings. He has already spent 302 weeks as world No.1. More than any other player in the history of men’s tennis. Next week will be his ninth appearance at the Rotterdam Open, which he has won on two previous occasions. His current win-loss record at the event stands at 23-6.
The Rotterdam Open, which will start on Monday, has a star-studded field. Joining Federer in the draw will be Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin, Alexander Zverev, Stan Wawrinka and defending champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Video: Davenport speaks about Federer’s Rotterdam return
.@RogerFederer is back!
Federer accepts a wildcard into @ABNAmroWTT in Rotterdam next week in hopes to return to World No. 1
📺: #TCLive pic.twitter.com/D6ZX6SbGZ0
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) 7 February 2018
