Roger Federer practices in Doha as he learns his fate in the draw

Roger Federer could face a clash against Britain’s Dan Evans in the first match of his comeback event in Doha.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has arrived in Doha as he prepares to play his first competitive tournament since last year’s Australian Open, with knee surgery ending his hopes of playing in most of 2020.

Now the 39-year-old has declared he is “excited” to return to action, with the draw for a high-quality tournament offering up the potential for some mouther-watering clashes.

Spotted on the @QatarTennis practice courts… 👀 pic.twitter.com/GPb02QI45D

— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 6, 2021

As No.2 seed, Federer is in the bottom half of the draw, with Dominic Thiem leading the lead as the top seed.

Federer has been handed a bye in the opening round and will face either Britain’s Evans or France’s Jeremy Chardy in the second round, with a potential clash against Canada’s Dennis Shapavalov in his path to a potential appearance in the final.

“It’s been a year since my last travel to any event and I’m very excited,” declared Federer. “This is the moment where I could maybe thank all the people involved who made this possible. It’s been a long and hard road. I know I’m not at the finish line yet, but it’s good.

“I feel like I’m in a good place, I’ve been practising very well.”

Federer’s plans in the first half of 2021 are yet to be confirmed, amid suggestions that he may not play in the Miami Masters later this month in what may be a cautious return to action.