Roger Federer (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Roger Federer could surprise tennis fans by making an appearance at the Miami Open later this month.
Gatto Luigi of Tennis World USA's reported that there is a chance the Swiss Maestro could have his first tournament from knee injury at the second ATP 1000 Masters event of this year in Miami.
Luigi noted that Federer has been practicing for on hard-courts for almost 20 days, which included training sessions in Switzerland, Los Angeles and most recently in Dubai, suggesting that the 34-year-old Swiss has changed his decision to instead make a return at the Miami Open.
Federer is initially scheduled to make a return at Indian Wells, where he could have bid for a fifth tournament title. But after revealing last month that he would like to have a slow progressive rehab on his knee, Federer moved his comeback at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters in April.
"As it is a long year, I don't want to push it too hard and come back too soon," Federer said on his official Facebook page. "Thus, I will unfortunately not be able to make it back in time for the great event in Indian Wells but I do plan on playing in the desert next year."
While Federer may have already set his sights on a return in Monaco next month, it would not be surprising to see the 17-time Grand Slam compete at the Miami Open, considering how he has progressed with his form after a knee surgery that repaired his torn left meniscus suffered a day after his semifinal defeat against Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.
His recent photos on Twitter showing himself training with less than a month remaining on his planned arrival suggest Federer is in good shape and could be ready for his first competitive match in two months.
Federer, who has not won a title at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, will look to win his first trophy in Monaco. Last year, the Swiss only made it into the Round of 16, where he was defeated by France's Gael Monfils in straight sets.
