Roger Federer jokes that while he’s happy to see Rafael Nadal back on court, he wishes that the Spaniard had changed playing hands during his time off.

"I saw a few pictures of Rafa, last week," Federer said in Rotterdam. "I see he's still a left-hander — and his shirts looked good. I’m happy to see him back and playing on the Tour. He seems to have good energy. I was surprised he lost a final against a player ranked outside the Top 50 [Horacio Zeballos in Viña del Mar]. It's nice to see him playing well again. I'm sure he got a lot of information about his game last week. He knows now how much strain he is putting on his body and how he is dealing with it."

Federer also added that he did feel bad watching Switzerland lose to the Czech Republic in Davis Cup. Federer skipped the tie.

"Davis Cup is always difficult and I don't take that decision easily, I don't feel good when I see the doubles team play seven hours and then lose. That was one of the worst things for me," Federer said. “But I can't have it all or win it all. I have to take the decisions that are right for my career. I try to communicate with the team but that always boomerangs back at you. I hope I can play more in the future, but it's been tough the last few years. I also have a family and you have to understand that as well."