Roger's Return: How To Watch Federer's Comeback Match Wednesday
After more than 13 months, Wednesday is the day tennis fans will see Roger Federer return to ATP Tour action. A winner of 103 titles during his career, the Swiss will take on Great Britain's Daniel Evans in the second round of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha.
The match begins not before 6 p.m. local time. Key times around the world:
Shanghai: 11 p.m.
Mumbai: 8.30 p.m.
Paris: 4 p.m.
London: 3 p.m.
Rio de Janeiro: 12 noon
New York: 10 a.m.
San Francisco: 7 a.m.
Melbourne: 2 a.m. (Thursday)
[WATCH LIVE 1]
Ahead of his comeback match, the 39-year-old legend practised with Australian Open semi-finalist Aslan Karatsev. You can watch extended footage of their hit from behind the baseline above.
Federer will play frequent practice partner Daniel Evans in the second round. The 39-year-old leads their ATP Head2Head series 3-0, with all three of their meetings coming at Grand Slams. Federer has won all nine sets they have played.
During his pre-tournament press conference, Federer said, "I have missed the Tour. I have missed the second family, [which is] how I call the Tour.” The 103-time tour-level champion showed that on the practice courts when he greeted good friend David Goffin. The Swiss spotted the Belgian and quickly said, "David Goffin, baby!"
Federer has also been spotted doing his physical warm-up on the grounds of the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex.
The three-time Doha champion owns a 26-3 record at this tournament. Federer has advanced to at least the semi-finals in six of his seven appearances.