Roger Federer: My intention is to play at French Open

The 35-year-old, who won the Australian Open in January to end his hunt for an elusive 18th Grand Slam title, has not played competitively since winning the Miami Open title in early April.

However, he has featured in a couple of exhibitions and remains focused on a Roland Garros return.

"I am registered and my intention is to play," said Federer.

"I feel very privileged to be back on a tennis court. Last year was extremely difficult, having had surgery and the knee never healing.

"Then I had back pain too, and it all got too much at Wimbledon and I was out for six months.

"But I was able to spend some incredible time with the family and start preparing for this season and hoping that the work that I put in during the off-season was going to really pay off.

"I was going to get a second chance to really play tennis again on the professional tour and so when I did come back in Australia, it was really exciting."

Federer was speaking at an exhibition event in Washington, where he teamed up with Microsoft business magnate Bill Gates to beat John Isner and Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready in the doubles at the Match for Africa 4.

Rafael Nadal is the overwhelming favourite for a 10th title in Paris, but Federer – who has already won three titles in 2017 – could be his closest challenger as Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic continue to struggle.