By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday February 1, 2020
Roger Federer is officially on the comeback trail.
The 20-time major champion from Switzerland announced his schedule for 2021 on Tuesday, and stated that he plans to play the Qatar Exxon Mobil Open from March 8-13 as his first event.
“I've been thinking for a long time about when and where to come back. Australia was a touch too early because of my knee,” Federer told SRF.
The Swiss said that he chose Doha because he wanted to begin in a smaller tournament for a less stressful experience.
Federer has not played competitively since last year’s Australian Open. He had two surgeries on his right knee last year, but has since recovered.
Federer added that he would like to play on clay again this year, but has set the grass and Olympic Games as his priority.
"I'll try to play on clay again," said Federer. “The whole thing, of course, with regard to Halle, Wimbledon, Olympia and the US Open.”
Federer, the owner of 1242 career ATP wins, 103 career ATP titles and 310 weeks at No.1, says he is gunning for big victories.
“I want to celebrate great victories again,” he said. “And for that I am ready to go the long, hard road.”