Roger Federer’s coach Severin Luthi has revealed that the 17-time Grand Slam champion will play another clay-court tournament before the French Open next year.
Earlier this month Federer released his ‘tentative schedule’ for 2016. According to his plans, the 34-year-old intended to have a break between the Indian Wells Masters and the French Open. The decision to skip all three clay-court Masters tournaments was a surprise for many. The last time Federer didn’t play in all three events was back in 1998.
Despite the initial schedule, It now appears that the world No.3 will play in another clay-court tournament before the French Open. During a interview with Swiss-German newspaper Bieler Tagblatt, coach Luthi have confirmed that Federer will play another event in the build-up to the French Open. They haven’t decided on which one yet according to a translation provided by LetsTalkTennis.
Severin Lüthi: “Roger will play one more clay tournament – it is not yet clear which one.” (Source: Bieler Tagblatt)
— LetsTalkTennis (@letstalktennis1) December 30, 2015
This year Federer played five tournaments on clay. Out of the five events the Swiss won the Istanbul Open (defeating Pablo Cuevas) and was the runner-up to Novak Djokovic at the Rome Masters. At the French Open he lost in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Stan Wawrinka.
Luthi has also hinted the Federer could play in all three draws at the 2016 Olympic Games. Currently he is expected to play in the men’s singles as well as the mixed doubles with Martina Hingis. The Swiss has so far won two Olympic medals in his career. He won gold in the men’s doubles at the 2008 Games and silver in the singles during 2012. Discussing Federer’s Olympic ambitions, Luthi has stated that the 34-year-old wants to get ‘as many medals as possible’ for Switzerland.
“Roger wants Switzerland to win as many medals (in Rio) as possible. It can’t be ruled out that he’ll also play dubs with Stan.” Luthi said.
