Heading into 2017, Roger Federer is now ranked 16th in the world. He did not win a single title in 2016 — the first time that happened since 2000. He missed a Grand Slam for the first time since 2001 too — after a run of 65 consecutive slam appearances.
By all means, 2016 was forgettable for the Swiss master.
But he’s now back fit, hoping for a second wind. The 35-year-old will make his first competitive appearance since Wimbledon when he takes to the court in Perth for the Hopman Cup — a team event where countries field one male and one female player who compete in singles and mixed-doubles matches.
With the event just a few days away, he stepped on to the tennis court for an open practice session.
But first, let me take a selfie…@rogerfederer #HopmanCup pic.twitter.com/0wvs9r9D5e
— Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) December 29, 2016
And just listen to the crowd’s reaction.
Drum roll, please… @rogerfederer arrives for his first #HopmanCup practice (and there’s lots of fans!) pic.twitter.com/UbkStdXGOc
— Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) December 29, 2016
Federer once again shows he’s probably the most loved tennis star of the current generation, if not all-time. Thousands gathered to cheer on the 17-time grand slam champion.
Thank you to the six thousand fans that showed up to watch my practice at @hopmancup 🇦🇺💙 pic.twitter.com/gzfNwGHcOp
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) December 29, 2016
Big crowd has turned out to watch @rogerfederer first #HopmanCup practice @PerthArena #LookingSharp #peRFect pic.twitter.com/CVFjqzRBiN
— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) December 29, 2016
Federer is the headline act at the tournament, partnering fellow Swiss Belinda Bencic on her return from injury.
Look who’s here! Great to have you back at the #HopmanCup @rogerfederer! #15yearsinthemaking pic.twitter.com/X0VZkzOH6j
— Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) December 28, 2016
Wow. A Federer practice session pic.twitter.com/xZHPZFUPZu
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) December 29, 2016
Federer’s first practice (PRACTICE!) session in Perth. I’m no good at judging crowd sizes, but I’d say there’s about 17 million of them pic.twitter.com/z8e6BDocyp
— Leigh Walsh (@LeighWalsh87) December 29, 2016
If ever you wondered about the popularity of Roger Federer, check out this reaction to his arrival for a practice session. https://t.co/9zKG35dpWL
— DavidLaw (@DavidLawTennis) December 29, 2016
All his match session sold out so @rogerfederer & @hopmancup opened the doors for free for 1st practice session. #class #canpullacrowd pic.twitter.com/EYGGuT2lCo
— Todd Woodbridge (@toddwoodbridge) December 29, 2016
And as an aside, Federer last played in the Hopman Cup in 2002. And in 2001, he partnered with a certain Miroslava Vavrinec, now his wife and mother of a pair of twins!

Seeing as Hopman Cup has a special place in Federer’s life, his fan would hope his return to the tournament would signal perhaps one last hurrah for the champion.
Good luck for 2017, Roger!