Roger FedererĀ is looking toĀ reset his game as he returns to grass courts in Stuttgart this week.
The world No. 3 told reporters in Stuttgart that he spent three weeks training in Switzerland, though unseasonable weather forced him to hit mostly indoors, with two sessions on grass.
"No setbacks," he said, adding that he also had an opportunity to spend time with his family.
He played down the prospect of winning the tournament.
"A good week is if I get on the match court and I play a match,ā the 17-time Grand Slam champion said. āA great week is if I get to the semis, and a dream one would be to win the tournament."
ButĀ he also noted that it doesn't take him long to get used to his favorite surface.
āThe moment I step on the grass court and I'm feeling somewhat fine, I will have my chances, and I'm looking forward to that challenge,ā he said.
TheĀ 250-level tournament in Stuttgart will be his first event in a month, and just his seventh of the season.
Federer withdrew from the French Open with a back injury,Ā ending a record streak of 65 consecutive Grand Slams played. It was just one of the many interruptions he's had this season.
"I've only had a tournament this year where I've been healthyāthe Australian Open," said Federer, who came down with the flu in Brisbane andĀ has hadĀ knee surgery, a stomachĀ virus and a back injury since the Australian Open.
He still believes thatĀ his withdrawal fromĀ the French Open was the right decision.
"It was much better for me to look forward to the rest of the season," heĀ said.Ā "I didn't want to have setback after setback and injure myself maybe further."
His opening-round opponent in Germany will be young American Taylor Fritz, butĀ the top seed doesnāt seem particularly interested in who heās facing. He just wants to get back on court.
"I'm super excited about playing another tournament," the 34-year-old said.
Federer is also scheduled to play the grass-court event in Halle next week.