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Federer Ready to Test Knee, Game on Monte-Carlo Clay



The road back to top-flight tennis begins this week for Roger Federer after an illness derailed his last-minute entry into the Miami Open draw.

Federer, who hasn’t played a competitive match since losing to Novak Djokvovic in the Australian Open semifinals, has spent ten days in Monte-Carlo and says he’s raring to go.

“I’m happy to say that I’ve recovered well from the virus in Miami,” Federer said on Sunday during his pre-tournament press conference at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters. “At first, I was concerned that it might be something that would last a while, but I was feeling better three days later. I arrived in Monte Carlo nine or 10 days ago and I’ve been training on centre court for the past eight or nine days. Things are going well. I’m happy with how I move; how I’m hitting the ball. I’ve played a lot of practice sets.”

Federer, a four-time finalist at Monte-Carlo, is gunning for a first title. He says he is feeling no pressure.

“[Monte Carlo] is an opportunity for top guys to play more freely, since there is less pressure and it’s a change of surface for everyone,” Federer, who lost to Rafael Nadal in his first three finals and to Stan Wawrinka two years ago. “I’ve played very well in Monaco in the past, but for now my objective is to make my return to play, gain a good feel and go from there. “My knee hasn’t bothered me, but the big test will be seeing how it reacts in match conditions. There are no easy draws in a Masters 1000, so I am not underestimating anyone. At the same time, I hope no one is underestimating me just because I’ve been hurt.”

Federer owns a 28-12 lifetime record at Monte-Carlo, and last reached the final in 2014, losing to Stan Wawrinka in three sets.

The 34-year-old has amassed 211 tour-level wins on clay, including 11 titles and 26 final appearances.

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