The Swiss maestro who defeated Nadal in the final of 2017 Australian Open to win his 18th slam decided to skip the entire clay-court season to keep himself fresh for the Wimbledon. Federer said that he would not have been able to beat the “gigantic” Nadal.

“I wouldn’t have beaten Rafael Nadal yesterday at Roland Garros. Not in the shape I would have performed on clay,” Federer said at a press conference.

“I told him on the court in Miami that he will destroy this season on clay. Luckily I was right for once. He played great.”

“What Rafael achieved didn’t surprise me at all, as he showed in Australia what is possible for him on clay. But that he ran through the tournament like this is absolutely gigantic,” added Federer.

The veteran returned to a tennis court after two months on Monday for a practice session ahead of his first match at the Mercedes Cup. The 35-year-old also sported a new shorter than ever haircut.

Federer has not played competitive tennis since winning the Miami title and is focused on winning an eight Wimbledon title. 

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