Netherlands - Roger Federer welcomed the return of Rafael Nadal, but will not spend much time worrying about his rival's progress as he concentrates on his own game with a Thursday start at the Rotterdam World Tennis.
The Swiss top seed, who is defending his trophy at the Ahoy stadium, put in a full day of public relations before getting down to another serious training session yesterday. The world No.2 says he has arrived relaxed and eager as he plays for the first time since losing a tight Australian Open semi-final to Andy Murray, then taking time off with his family in his homes in Dubai and Switzerland.
"I saw a few pictures of Rafa, last week," said Federer, who joked: "I see he's still a left-hander — and his shirts looked good."
But beyond the obvious natural curiosity, the 31-year-old with 17 Grand Slam titles has plenty on his own plate as he begins a run of events this week to be followed by the Dubai Open and the Indian Wells Masters next month in California.