Roger Federer to make comeback at Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart after missing French Open due to injury

Tennis legend Roger Federer has admitted that pulling out of the recently concluded 2016 French Open was a good move as he readies himself for competing at the Mercedes Open in Stuttgart which starts on 6 June. Federer who had pulled out of Roland Garros due to a back injury has struggled with injuries this season forcing him to play in only four tournaments this year. He underwent a knee surgery in February.

"I feel much better again. It's been a good last three week. No setbacks. My back's good again. I feel much stronger. I was pretty fragile three weeks ago. It was much better for me to look forward to the rest of the season, rest of my life, really. I didn't want to have setback after setback and injure myself maybe further. In hindsight, that was definitely the right decision," he said, as quoted by atpworldtour.com.

The 34-year-old who did not take part in the Roland Garros event for the first time since 1998, will play with three other top 20 ranked players — Marin Cilic, Dominic Thiem and Gilles Simon — at the Mercedes Open. Federer will be playing at Stuttgart for the first time. He was excited by the fact that the tournament will be played on grass.

"It's been a tough year. I'm super excited about playing another tournament. They've done a really nice job here. I think it's a huge step for them to go from clay to grass. I hope it's something good for the future for this event and I can't wait to play in it."

The former World No 1 will be in action in Stuttgart on 7 January, Tuesday, where he will play Taylor Fritz or a qualifier in the second round after receiving a first round bye.