Roger Federer insists Wimbledon top priority as he prepares for clay comeback

Roger Federer says his return to clay court tennis in Geneva will help him prepare for the grass court season too. Federer underwent two knee surgeries in 2020 and this will be the first time he’s playing since then. However, the Swiss maestro insists Wimbledon remains the top priority.

“I’m happy to be back. Also happy my knee didn’t complain about the transition from hard to clay,” he told reporters in Geneva.

So good to see @rogerfederer back on clay ?

Watch him prepare for his return to action at the @genevaopen ?

— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 16, 2021

Federer said his decision to play clay event at home in Switzerland was prompted by the French Open being moved back.

“When we learned that Roland Garros was postponed by a week, we put everything on the table for discussion with my team.

“I liked the idea of playing Geneva and Paris. And perhaps it’s better to come back playing a 250 rather than a Masters,” said Federer.

Roger Federer admits comeback a ‘challenge’

Federer is coming back to the game after a relatively lengthy lay-off. Therefore, he believes that the more physical tennis required on clay will help him get back to speed.

Federer has in the past skipped the clay court season in a bid to manage his schedule. However, he is making an exception this year due to having to return from injury.

“I want to play a lot of tennis. I’ll hit a lot of balls and hope it will help me for the grass courts. I think it can be beneficial.”

But Federer is under no illusions over the size of the task on hand. He was able to catch a glimpse of the action in Rome and was left impressed by the action.

“It’ll be a challenge for me to find this level,” he said.

Federer will open his campaign against Pablo Andujar. This will be the first time these two are facing off.