Federer vaccinated and feeling motivated ahead of comeback in Geneva

Roger Federer will begin his comeback in earnest next week in Geneva, saying he's now looking to compete regularly through the grass-court season.

Having had two knee surgeries in 2020, Federer played his first event of the season in Doha, falling the second round. Speaking to press in Geneva, he said Doha had just been a "little test," while next week is "more" because he's aiming to get several matches in a row.

"It's important to see the way I'll react physically and mentally, because I think the tennis is there," he told RTS in a TV interview. "I want to see the way the knee reacts, because sometimes it'll react differently in competition than practice, because of the stress of competition and all that. That could be why there are still some questions. Anyway, I'll have to play a dozen matches to know the way I feel."

Following Geneva, Federer is scheduled to play Paris, Halle and then Wimbledon. But he's pleased to be starting at home in Switzerland, he told Leman bleu in another TV interview.

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The 20-time major champion also said he is now vaccinated, which was a priority given his traveling. It will, in addition, allow him to stay together with his family under the loosened ATP protocols that come into effect next week and allow him to go offsite. Federer and his wife, Mirka, have four children.

"I'm happy it'll start to relax again this week in Geneva," he said. "I really enjoy playing in Geneva, as everyone knows. The kids have fun in Geneva."

But he will have to go solo at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, which have tighter restrictions. Competitors are only allowed to bring two team members, usually coaches or trainers. He's nevertheless willing to make those adjustments to pursue his goal of returning to the highest level.

"I have talked about it a lot with Mirka. [Right] now the comeback is the priority," he said.

Federer is No. 8 in the rankings.