'I had two surgeries, there are many question marks,' Roger Federer said

Roger Federer returns to action this week in Doha, embracing his first match since January last year and ending the most extended break of his career.

Struggling with a knee injury, Federer underwent two surgeries in 2020 and had to skip the entire season after the Australian Open, hoping for a fresh start in 2021. After 14 months, Roger will play against Daniel Evans or Jeremy Chardy in the second round, seeking the fourth Doha crown and the first in ten years.

Roger doesn't know what to expect after the most extended break of his career, feeling confident ahead of the first official encounters and ready to give his 100%.

"When I came back in 2017, I was completely healthy. I no longer asked myself big questions about whether I could go backward again. Now I had a double operation, and the way back was much longer; there are many more question marks. Therefore, everything that comes from today to Wimbledon is a build-up. I need another training block in Doha and possibly Dubai. It also shows that I'm not at the level I was back then.

But it's good enough to compete in a tournament. I'm curious myself how I'll feel. I'm looking forward to being here again. If you had seen me play in October, November - those are giant steps!" Roger Federer said.