by A.P.
Roger Federer says he never seriously considered retirement in his 14 months away from tennis, and is returning as he feels “the story’s not over yet”.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion is competing at this week’s Qatar Open.It will be his first tour appearance since losing to Novak Djokovic in last year’s Australian Open semi-finals.
“I know it’s on the rare side for almost a 40-year-old to come back after a year being out. What’s important is I’m injury and pain-free,” he said.“The pain is completely under control.”
The 39-year-old has a bye into the second round in Doha, where he will play either Britain’s Dan Evans or Jeremy Chardy of France.