New dad Federer confirms Montreal return

Montreal:

Roger Federer will resume his career just over a month after his historic 15th Grand Slam triumph at Wimbledon, announcing that he will make his return at next week's ATP Montreal Masters.

After his twin girls were born last month, questions began to grow as to whether the new father would make the trip across the Atlantic so soon after his wife, Mirka, gave birth. But the Swiss star, who turns 28 on Saturday, put minds at ease with an announcement on his website.

"After the wonderful experiences over the past days it is my pleasure to inform you that I will be participating in the Rogers Cup in Montreal," Federer said on Friday. "I'm happy to be back competing and sharing my passion.

"As I was able to find enough time to practise these past weeks I must say that I feel fit and full of energy. It is a bit strange not to have played for a longer period - five weeks in total this time."

Federer won the Canadian event, which alternates between Montreal and Toronto with a WTA event, in 2004 and 2006. The Montreal tournament will also see the return of world number two Rafael Nadal.

The Spaniard has been off the tour since being upset by Robin Soderling in the fourth round at the French Open in May. It was his first defeat at Roland Garros where he had been the four-time champion.