Federer excited to return to competition in Doha

Roger Federer says he is excited to return to competitive tennis at next week’s Qatar Open after a year-long absence.

Roger Federer underwent two knee surgeries since his Australian Open semifinal exit in January, 2020. - REUTERS

Former World No. 1 Roger Federer said on Friday he was excited to return to competitive tennis at next week’s Qatar Open after a year-long absence.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has not played a tournament since his Australian Open semifinal exit against Novak Djokovic last year, undergoing two knee surgeries since.

“Here we are, about to take off to fly to Doha. It’s been a year since my last event,” Federer, 39, said in a video posted on his Twitter feed.

pic.twitter.com/gKozILCRbX

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) March 5, 2021

 

“I can tell I’m very excited... it’s been a long and hard road. I know I’m not at the finish line yet but it’s good, I feel I’m in a good place, I’ve been practising very well and I just feel really pumped up.”

The Doha Open starts on Monday.