'Roger Federer should play Doha, but we wait for him in Rotterdam,' says Krajicek

The 20-time Major champion Roger Federer hasn't played since the last year's Australian Open, struggling with a knee injury and undergoing two surgeries in February and May.

Federer decided to skip the rest of 2020 following the second surgery in May, switching focus on 2021 and hoping to get ready for the Australian Open. Federer went to Dubai with his coach Ivan Ljubicic in December, working on his game but failing to get back at 100% by the season's first Major.

Read also

Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal - Who wins the race towards 21st Major title?

Roger should return in March, most probably in Doha and Dubai, as he already trains there. The tournament director of the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam, Richard Krajicek, still hopes to get Roger in the draw, already confirming Rafael Nadal earlier on Tuesday.

Federer claimed three Rotterdam crowns between 2005-2018, taking a surprising wild card three years ago and going all the way to pick up 500 ATP points and become world no. 1 at 36. Roger struggled against Philipp Kohlschreiber and Robin Haase in the first set, raising his level after that to beat Grigor Dimitrov in the final and celebrate the trophy.

Read also

Roger Federer's five consecutive US Open titles

"I think Roger will play in Doha, the week after Rotterdam. But if he's fit and ready to play, we will hear from him," Richard Krajicek said,