STUTTGART, 9, 2018

Roger Federer’s path to his first triumph at the MercedesCup in Stuttgart will not be an easy one this year. The Swiss maestro, who is making his return to the courts after 80 days, receives a bye in the first round of the 28-man-draw, but will then take on the winner of the match between local favourite Mischa Zverev and a qualifier.

Federer could face Canadian shooting star Denis Shapovalov in the quarterfinals and could take on Australian Nick Kyrgios or Spanish veteran Feliciano López in the semis. The 36-year-old will arrive in Stuttgart on Sunday, having his first practice session on Centre Court not before 5 pm. Federer will play his first match on Wednesday.

“The first match after a longer break is never easy,” former World No. 2 Tommy Haas commented during the main draw ceremony at Stuttgart’s Gant store on Saturday afternoon. “However, Roger will be well prepared and highly motivated.”

Former World No. 2 @TommyHaas13 and Stuttgart defending champion @la_pouille helped out at today’s @MercedesCup draw ceremony. pic.twitter.com/rUk9UItTDS

— Florian Heer (@Florian_Heer) 9. Juni 2018

Defending champion and the tournament’s No. 2 seed Lucas Pouille will open his title bid against a German player, either it will be Jan-Lennard Struff or teenager and wild card entry Rudolf Molleker. The 17-year-old from Berlin recently clinched his maiden trophy on the ATP Challenger Tour, winning the NeckarCup in Heilbronn.

Third seed Tomas Berdych from the Czech Republic awaits the winner of the encounter between #NextGenATP US-American Taylor Fritz or Frenchman Benoit Paire. Aussie Nick Kyrgios will start his Stuttgart campaign against Maximilian Marterer or Peter Gojowczyk of Germany.

Singles main draw in Stuttgart. Roger Federer to start against either Mischa Zverev or a qualifier. pic.twitter.com/JjPYgianvf

— TennisTourTalk (@TennisTourTalk) 9. Juni 2018