20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer has ended months of speculation over his future presence in Roland Garros by confirming that he will return to the clay later this year.
Minutes after his shock loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Australian Open, the 37-year-old confirmed his intention. During his press conference in Melbourne, Federer said in French that he would be playing in Paris this year. The former world No.1 last played a clay court tournament back in 2016. Since then, he has opted to skip the surface in order to have a longer recovery time heading into the grass season.
“I was missing the clay season. Two years ago I had some physical problems, last year I decided not to go, but this year I don’t see why not to play.” Said Federer.
“My game and my level is there. I didn’t lose to a bad player, but to someone who will be on top for long.”
Besides the French Open, there has been no information given about what other tournaments on the clay he may play.
Federer exits Melbourne in frustration after falling to his 20-year-old rival, who wasn’t even born when he made his debut in the ATP rankings back in September 1997. The Swiss world No.3 failed to convert 12 break points during his fourth round clash. Leaking 55 unforced errors with many of those occurring from the forehand side.
“Clearly something is wrong with how I return him, what I’m trying to do.” Federer analysed.
“I lost to a better player who was playing very well. Hung in there, gave himself chances at some point, stayed calm. It’s not always easy, especially for younger guys. Credit to him for taking care of that.”
This year was Federer’s 20th consecutive appearance at the Melbourne grand slam. An all-time record he shares with Lleyton Hewitt. Reflecting on his journey at the tournament compared to 12 months ago, Federer believes the courts have been slower.
“I thought conditions were definitely a bit slower this year than last year. Didn’t allow for as much variation, to be quite honest.” He reflected.
“But he (Tsitsipas ) did a nice job of taking care of his half volleys. That’s maybe what won him the match tonight, I’m not sure.”
It is the fourth consecutive grand slam where Federer hasn’t reached the semi-final stage. That is his longest drought on the tour since making semi-final debut at the 2003 Wimbledon Championships. When he rankings are updated on Monday, he will also fall outside the top five for the first time since Match 2017.
Federer is set to return to action at the Dubai Tennis Championships next month.
