Two former Swiss players have both said they believe there is a good chance that Roger Federer could start his comeback at the Rotterdam Open in March.
1992 Olympic champion Marc Rosset and Ferderer’s former doubles partner Yves Allegro have both said they believe the 20-time Grand Slam champion will play in the European city due to his connection with Rotterdam. Federer is one of only two players to have won the tournament three times along with Arthur Ashe. During the 2018 edition he became the oldest player in history to secure the world No.1 ranking.
“I can see him coming back to Rotterdam (most certainly from March 1 to 7)”, Rosset and Allegro told 20min.ch.
“This is where he went to seek the place of world No. 1 in 2018, there are good memories,” says Rosset.
“I think he will favor places with which he has a common history,” Allegro added.
Speculation has mounted over Federer’s comeback date after he pulled out of the Australian Open earlier this week. The 39-year-old hasn’t played a professional match since last January due to a right knee injury which required two surgical procedures. His decision to skip Melbourne was made after speaking with his team.
“I’m sad for him but not at all surprised,” Rosset commented. “Rodge had said that the second operation had been a halt, that he had fallen behind. Nadal and him always tell the truth, just listen to them.’
“At 39, he probably needs more time to be reassured. I can imagine he wants to be 100% sure that it won’t let up. Rodge is someone who takes a lot of precautions, he doesn’t play with his body. In his twenty-year career, he has done everything to avoid the slightest anti-inflammatory.”
Allegro, who won two ATP doubles titles with Federer in 2003 and 2005, also believes he has made the right decision. The 42-year-old is still active on the Tour but as a coach for Pierre-Hugues Herbert.
“So he made the right decision, especially since he has plenty of time left to prepare for his priority goals of Wimbledon and the Games.” He said.
There is yet to be any public statement from Federer following his decision to not play in Australia. He is currently in Dubai training with his team.
