Despite intense speculation that 2019 could be his last year on Tour, Roger Federer has reportedly committed to playing the Dubai Open in 2020.
Fresh off claiming his 100th ATP title in Dubai last weekend, Federer reportedly told tournament officials that he plans on returning next year.
His apparent commitment is the first sign that the 37-year-old won't be hanging up the racquets after this season, as had been widely predicted.
The speculation has mainly surrounded his decision to play the clay court season, which he hasn't done for two years.
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Federer will make his first clay court appearance at the Madrid Open in May, and is expected to be in the draw for the French Open.
Tennis fans around the world saw the move as Federer making a final attempt at claiming a second title at Roland Garros.
But the Swiss veteran apparently let it slip that he'd be back and playing in Dubai next year.
Roger confirms he will be here next year, in Dubai. Spoke to the tournament and was happy for them to announce it. pic.twitter.com/U42Dq3w0si
— Tennis Panorama News (@TennisNewsTPN) March 2, 2019
“We congratulate Roger Federer on his fantastic achievement in winning 100 titles, and winning here in Dubai for the eighth time, more than any other player,” said major sponsor Colm McLoughlin, of Dubai Duty Free.
“It is remarkable that his first title here came as long ago as 2003, and we look forward to welcoming both Federer and our ladies champion Belinda Bencic again in 2020.”
Federer's two-set victory over his Australian Open vanquisher, Stefanos Tsitsipas, in the Dubai Open final on the weekend took his career tally to 100 ATP titles.
He now sits just nine behind American legend Jimmy Connors, with Rafael Nadal on 80 and Novak Djokovic on 73.
