Roger Federer Not Playing Rome Masters, Still On For Madrid And French Open?

The Rome entry list was released today and Roger Federer’s name wasn’t on it. The Swiss who was a 4-time finalist at the Foro Italico could still take a wildcard down the road, but as of now he’s scheduled only for Madrid and then the French Open.

Federer hasn’t played on clay since his 2019 semifinal loss at the French Open to Rafael Nadal.

Federer underwent two right knee surgeries last year and with the pandemic, he never stepped foot on the clay. In his return in Doha, Federer fell to Nikolaz Basilashvili in three sets.

Federer then withdrew from Dubai and opted out of Miami to get in better tournament shape. He did hint last month that clay would be part of his schedule as he targets a full return by Wimbledon.

“I think matches are important,” Federer said in Doha. “What comes before the grass courts are the clay courts. So from that standpoint, I have no choice but to play on clay if I want to play matches.

“It could be good for me, the clay. It could be bad for me, the clay. So I will only know in practice, but I don’t think it’s going to be bad, to be honest.

“I assume I will play some clay, you know. The question is what. We have a vague idea.

“And fitness comes first and then we’ll see what comes after,” he said. “At the end everything is geared towards the grass. So whatever makes me be 100% there, I will do.”

While Federer will not be in Rome, the Top 6 will be there including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev and Dominic Thiem.

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