Roger Federer "going to play freely" at Roland Garros

Roger Federer is keeping the pressure low as he prepares to play the French Open for the first time since 2015.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion had skipped the clay-court swing the previous three seasons after undergoing knee surgery in 2016 and later re-aggravating his injuries after trying to return on the red dirt. On why he decided to add clay back into his schedule, it was straightforward for the 2009 Roland Garros winner.

"I simply just wanted to play," Federer told L'Equipe. "I hadn't planned not to play for three years. For the previous six months, my body has been good. For the rest of the season, it's maybe good [to play], but mostly it's the desire to return to clay and [this tournament]."

Federer has played two events coming into the French Open, opening with a a quarterfinal at Madrid and then two wins in one day at Rome before withdrawing from the tournament. The No. 3 has also won titles at Dubai and Miami on hard courts.

Before getting underway in Paris, Federer admits his prospects are being tempered by a competitive field.

"I had a good start to the season," he said. "I know that on clay also everything is possible, but I think I have more opponents on clay. Against the best players in top form, it's more difficult to control.

"Honestly, it's good to come to here with less expectations. I have played very few matches on this surface recently. I'm going to play freely and it's a pleasure. I will really try to approach this Roland Garros with less pressure. It's good that people, the media, myself also, my team knows it. As long as I'm not hurt, it's worth it to play the clay."

Federer, the third seed, will face Lorenzo Sonego in the first round.