This content was published 5 years ago. It may refer to a past edition of the Internazionali d’Italia.

Roger Federer admitted his ‘excitement couldn’t be bigger’ to be back in Rome at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has returned to the Foro Italico for the first time since 2016 and will face either Frances Tiafoe or Joao Sousa in his opening match on Wednesday.

“I’m really happy to be here. There’s going to be good crowds hopefully, good atmosphere. Personally I’m very happy to be here. I’m pumped up to play well. I mean, my excitement couldn’t be bigger,” said the Swiss player.

Federer has fond memories of his time spent in the Italian capital which include reaching the final here on four occasions – in 2003 (l. Felix Mantilla), 2006 (l. Rafael Nadal), 2013 (l. Nadal) and 2015 (l. Novak Djokovic).

“The moment I landed in Rome yesterday, I was so happy to be here. I love this city. Always enjoyed playing in Italy. It’s probably the country I’ve played the most junior tennis in. Coming down from Switzerland to the clay courts was always a logical junior trip. They have very strong junior tournaments here. I love being here, especially in this city as well,” he said.