MADRID: 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer has confirmed that he will be traveling to Rome next week to play in the Italian Masters ahead of the French Open.
The 37-year-old made the announcement less than 24 hours after he crashed out of the Madrid Open to Dominic Thiem. This week was the first time Federer had played a clay-court tournament since 2016. Missing the past two seasons in order to rest his body. At the Caja Magica, he scored wins over Richard Gasquet and Gael Monfils before falling in the quarter-finals.
“I feel very good about my game. I thought I had some good matches here especially last two. First one was good to get into it.” Federer evaluated.
The official confirmation of Federer’s intention to play was announced by him in a video uploaded on Saturday. It will be his 17th appearance in the tournament. Since his debut back in 2000, Federer has won 32 out of 48 matches played. However, it is only one of two Masters events he has never won. The other being Monte Carlo.
“I’ve just finished speaking to the team and I’m happy to say that I will be coming back to Rome to play. I can’t wait, it’s been too long.” He said in a video uploaded on his Instagram account.
Federer will be seeded third in the draw next week. Granted a first-round bye, his opening match will be against either Joao Sousa or Frances Tiafoe. Two players who he has never lost against on the tour. Further on in the draw, Borna Coric and Felix-Auger Aliassime could be a possible third round opponent followed then by a potential clash with Stefano Tsitsipas.
The main draw of the Italian Open will officially begin on Sunday.
