Roger Federer to Play the Clay Court Season in 2019?

Roger Federer has skipped the clay season for the last three years but he will make his eagerly anticipated comeback next year.

Reports from the Swiss star’s training camp in Dubai suggest the world No 3 will play in either Rome or Barcelona in preparation for the French Open.

Rafael Nadal has been the dominant force on the red dirt with 11 Roland Garros titles.

But Federer will challenge the Spaniard for the second Grand Slam of the year, so long as he comes through the American ‘Sunshine Double’, which includes Indian Well and the Miami Open, injury free.

“Roger Federer is planning to play clay in 2019,” a source in Dubai tweeted.

“He is considering to play Rome and/or Barcelona as preparation ahead of RG.

“But everything is depending on his body after IW and Miami and will be confirmed only thereafter! #Federer.”

Recently, Tennis journalist, Christopher Clarey said on Twitter, “Post-defeat, Federer says he intends to play on clay again this season after a two-year break. Good news for fans at Roland Garros, who haven’t seen him since 2015, but not sure that’s good news for Federer’s prospects on grass.”

The 37-year-old is expected to do so after the first quarter of next year.

Talks have already started with several tournament directors about a return.

It is unclear what affect playing on clay will have on Federer’s Wimbledon participation, if any at all.

Federer’s ex-coach Paul Annacone recently told Express Sport that any return to the red dirt could impact his remaining calendar.

“I won’t be surprised at all if he plays at Roland Garros,” he said.

“He loves Paris and has hasn’t played the last couple of years.

“There’s no reason he can’t do well there, again it’s about his schedule.

“Where will he take a break if he plays there?”

However, his loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas will throw a massive spanner in the works and one has to wonder, “What next for Federer?”.

Normally, Federer opts out of the clay court season to saw himself for Wimbledon and the US Open. So, it seemed strange that he would play the clay season and Roland Garros.

Does this actually mean that his days as a professional tennis player could soon be numbered? Andy Murray was the first of the Big 4 to hang up his boots and the thought would have crossed the minds of the other three. This is also considering the fact that all four of them have been out of action for an extended period of time due to injury.