Roger Federer wasted no time getting back into the swing of things in the desert.

The Australian Open champion hit the BNP Paribas Open stadium court for a practice session with Denis Istomin, who toppled reigning champion Novak Djokovic in Melbourne.

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The BNP Paribas Open live-streamed Federer's practice on its Facebook page.



It marks Federer's first time on the Indian Wells stadium court since the 2015 final when he fell to Novak Djokovic in three sets.

The 18-time Grand Slam champion missed the tournament last year while recovering from left knee surgery.

The 10th-ranked Swiss has reached the Indian Wells final in three of his last four appearances in Palm Springs.

Federer is a four-time Indian Wells champion with his last BNP Paribas Open title coming five years ago when he defeated Juan Martin del Potro, Rafael Nadal and John Isner in succession to take the title.

Photo credit: @BNPParibasOpen