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Roger Federer has declared he is "very happy" to be back in Rotterdam for the first time in seven years as he begins his 2012 campaign against Nicolas Mahut tonight.
Speaking ahead of the 2012 ATP Rotterdam, Federer said: "I’m very happy to be back. I know this tournament from way back when; ’99 was my first time. I played really well from the start and it’s a tournament I’ve always enjoyed coming back to.
"I can’t believe it’s been so long. This time around everything just seemed perfect and I’m really happy to be here and healthy after the Davis Cup weekend. I’m really excited about the Wednesday start for me."
Federer won Rotterdam back in 2005, defeating Ivan Ljubicic to win the title, while he also reached the final in 2001, losing to French star Nicolas Escude.
"I think I do [still] have the pressures of a World No. 1," the Swiss mused.
"That never really changes with all the success I’ve had. I have the same attention; there’s just different stories written. I’ve had a wonderful career so far. The fire is the same, basically. It’s just in terms of having a family now and not being World No. 1."
He added: "But I take so much joy out of playing this sport and travelling the world still. I do care mostly about trying to win tournaments. That’s what’s important. That’s how I could get back to World No. 1 potentially. I have to get back to winning ways again after losing the last two, and I hope I can start doing that on Wednesday."
Expect Federer to progress.
