Withdrawing from the IPTL allowed Roger Federer some extra training sessions in Dubai this week, so the Swiss tapped another local resident, Lucas Pouille, for a workout.

Federer hasn’t played since losing the Wimbledon semifinals to Milos Raonic. But after taking extra time off to mend his left knee, all signs point to Federer returning 100% healthy in Brisbane in just three weeks.

One more good session completed with this guy ✔️ @rogerfederer 🔜 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ #dubai pic.twitter.com/z1cnI0xl8G

— Lucas Pouille (@la_pouille) December 12, 2016

Pouille is actually ranked one spot higher than Federer at No. 15.

Privilège d'assister à l'entraînement du Maestro ce matin à Dubai !
Il est en pleine forme et joue grave. @beinsports_FR #ATPextra #2017 pic.twitter.com/XSZt2GjVEZ

— Thibault Le Rol (@ThibaultLeRol) December 11, 2016