Roger Federer's unexpected early comeback to competition could cost the Swiss Maestro an appearance at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters next month.
According to Monte Carlo Masters tournament director Zeljko Franulovic, Federer's participation in the third ATP 1000 Masters event of the season is not sure because of concerns on the condition of the Swiss' left knee, which underwent surgery last month to repair a torn meniscus suffered at the Australian Open.
Federer is set for a return at the Miami Open this week, his first tournament post knee surgery recovery. But the Croatian former tennis player believes it would not be a good idea for the 34-year-old Swiss to play at Miami Open's hard court before playing the "clay-court season" due to Federer's recent setback.
"Roger told me that if knee pain disappeared, he would go to Miami," Franulovic told Sud Radio, reports Tennis World USA.
"I do not think that playing a hard-court tournament before the clay-court season is a good thing. But to me Roger cannot wait and he is looking forward to come back to play."
Federer is originally scheduled to return in the recently concluded BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells, but had to move his comeback in April at the Monte Carlo Masters. He then broke the news on Twitter that he would compete at the Miami Open after non-stop sessions of regaining the power on his knee.
There is a growing sense Federer would not force himself to sacrifice his chances of being in top shape at the French Open in May by playing hard at the Miami Open. If this is the case, the 17-time Grand Slam winner may skip Monte Carlo as well if it means preserving his form for Roland Garros, where he bids to extend his all-time record of major titles.
Meanwhile, Federer's sudden inclusion at the ATP 1000 Masters in Miami gave he and his fans positive news amid almost two months of being sidelined from tennis action. The Swiss is in play for a potential semifinal clash against world No.1 Novak Djokovic in what could be a rematch of their semifinal showdown at the Australian Open in January.
Federer, a two-time former Miami Open champion, enters the tournament as the third seed and could face either of the Argentines in Juan Martin Del Potro and Guido Pella.