Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Roger Federer has decided to exercise caution in his comeback to action after arthroscopic surgery on a torn meniscus in his right knee. So instead of playing in Indian Wells’ upcoming BNP Paribas Open, he has decided to pencil in the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, beginning April 10, for his competitive return.

Federer has been working out with long-time fitness trainer Pierre Paganini and has been more than content with the progress he has made since undergoing the surgery in Switzerland on February 2 after reportedly injuring himself playing with his daughters in a Melbourne Park the day after his Australian Open semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic.

The 34 year-old used his Facebook page to relay the news of his prudence when he posted:  “As it is a long year, I don’t want to push it too hard and come back too soon.

“Thus, I will unfortunately not be able to make it back in time for the great event in Indian Wells but I do plan on playing in the desert next year. After consultation with my team, I have decided to enter the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.”

However Federer insisted there was no need for anyone to go pressing any alarm buttons and added: “The rehab for my knee is going really well! I have now had a lot of great practices on the court and in the gym.”

BNP Paribas Open chief executive Raymond Moore responded to the four times Indian Wells champion in a statement to The Desert Sun newspaper: “The tournament and our fans wish Roger Federer well as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

“We will miss having the four-time champion at the BNP Paribas Open this year, but look forward to having him play in 2017.”

Federer will consequently now break an unbroken streak of playing at Indian Wells, stretching back to 2000. He owns a 52/11 record at the tournament and has won just under US$4 million in prize money.

Last week he posted a note to his fans, thanking them for the “heartfelt” cards, letters, presents and posts on social media.

“It is fantastic to be moving and working out again,” Federer wrote. “We’re taking it one step at a time, but I’m already really looking forward to getting back onto the court with full energy.”

Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.