Roger Federer is returning to the court for the first time since his quarterfinal defeat at the US Open, taking part in the inaugural Laver Cup competition. Federer is also helping with the organization of the event.
Federer arrived in Prague for what he described as a "tennis party" with teams that also include players like Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev and Nick Kyrgios.
In addition to event activities, the No. 2 is also planning to spend some time on the court. "Obviously practice," he told local press upon arriving in the Czech Republic. "I haven't played so much since the US Open."
Federer had been experiencing a back problem before the US Open, and indicated the tournament has taken a physical toll.
"Back's okay," he said. "It was important to rest for me, I was kind of beat up...just tired and many things in my body were hurting. I'm happy I was able to rest."
Federer also commented on the resurgence both he and Rafael Nadal have had this season, returning to the top two positions in the rankings while Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stanislas Wawrinka have all been sidelined by injury.
"It's great. I was very happy for Rafa that he won the US Open," he said. "For both of us to win two Grand Slams this year, it's definitely a big surprise. Maybe some injuries have helped us along the way from other players, like we helped them [in 2016] by not being in our best shape.
"But regardless, for us, it's a dream season so far."
Though competing on the same team this week, Federer and Nadal will then return to competing for No. 1, though Nadal now has a big lead in the rankings.
