If fans weren’t already excited for Roger Federer’s return at next week’s Qatar ExxonMobil Open, they will be now. The Swiss star sent them a message from the airport on Friday before departing for Doha.
“It’s been a year since my last travel to any event and I’m very excited,” Federer said. “This is the moment where I could maybe thank all the people involved who made this possible. It’s been a long and hard road. I know I’m not at the finish line yet, but it’s good.”
Destination: Doha✈️🇶🇦
(📽️: @rogerfederer) pic.twitter.com/n8juu1vWKh
— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 5, 2021
Federer last competed at the 2020 Australian Open, where he reached the semi-finals. The 103-time tour-level champion underwent two right knee surgeries later in the year.
“I feel like I’m in a good place, I’ve been practising very well,” Federer said. “Hope you guys also are going to tune in to watch it and I hope I see you again very soon. Take care everybody.”
The 39-year-old has won three titles in Doha, where he has tallied a 26-3 record.