When you're celebrating the Year of the Goat, you've got to invite the tennis GOAT to the party.
Fittingly, Roger Federer was special guest of China's ambassador to help usher in the Chinese New Year in Dubai this week.
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It's the year of the Goat and the festivities brought Federer eye-to-eye with the ceremonial lion before fireworks lit up the night sky.
"I've heard the term GOAT a few times and it's cracked me up a bit," Federer said. "Let's hope its the year of the GOAT in Chinese terms."
Returning to Dubai is a homecoming for Federer, who trains in the city and excels on the tournament's faster track.
A year ago, Federer defeated No. 2 Novak Djokovic and No. 6 Tomas Berdych in succession to capture his sixth Dubai crown.
"It's in a good time of the season because usually I'm quite fresh," Federer said. "The court surface suits me well. Also because I train here and do spend a lot of time in Dubai, I think it's also helped me to be successful."
The Brisbane champion said he's eager to return to action following his surprising Australian Open third-round loss to Andreas Seppi.
"I feel okay; body-wise I'm good," Federer said. "I've had over two weeks off which was very much key for my body and mind because I feel refreshed."