Roger Federer wins first match in three months, eyes top spot

(AGENCE FRANCE-PRESS) — Roger Federer said on Monday his motivation is sky-high as he bids for a possible return to the No 1 ranking if he reaches the final at the Stuttgart Cup.

The 36-year-old Swiss, second in the ATP standings behind 11-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal, has it all to play for this week at the hilltop Weissenhof club, where he lost a year ago in the first round to longtime friend and rival Tommy Haas.

After sitting out the clay season to fully rest and prepare for the grass and last playing match in Miami on March 24, the 20-time grand slam winner is quietly confident that all is falling into place as he mounts his quest for a ninth Wimbledon trophy next month.

“There are a lot of things at stake,” said the Swiss, who won his first match since March when he beat Mischa Zverev in three sets on Wednesday. “I expected Rafa to win the French – not taking anything away from him.