New world No 1 Roger Federer still 'open' to competing in ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

The Swiss player has admitted he is still weighing up if he will compete in the event in the UAE, which starts on February 26, as he reaches Rotterdam final.

Roger Federer is still to decide if he will compete at the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Koen Suyk / EPA

Roger Federer has revealed he is still considering competing in the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship.

The 20-time major winner reached the final of the Rotterdam Open on Saturday and then said he was still weighing up whether to go for an eighth title in Dubai when the men's competition starts on February 26 following the women's WTA event, which starts on Monday.

When asked following his 6-3, 7-6 semi-final victory over Andreas Seppi in Rotterdam about what his intentions for Dubai are, the 36 year old said: "It's still open."

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Since returning from a knee injury at the start of 2017, Federer has managed his schedule carefully and it is likely he will wait to see how he feels physically after he is completed the tournament in Rotterdam before deciding if he will play in Dubai for the seventh time in the past eight years.

Federer will become the oldest player to ever top the ATP world rankings on Monday after his run to the final in Rotterdam has seen him leapfrog previous No 1 Rafael Nadal.

Federer meets Grigor Dimitrov, the world No 3 who is competing in Dubai, in Sunday's final.

Despite enjoying a 6-0 career stranglehold over Dimitrov, with their last meeting in the 2017 Wimbledon fourth round, the top seed will not take anything for granted on Sunday.

"I know him very well, he had an incredible year last season, winning London (the World Tour Finals) and Cincinnati. He's beaten some good players and started this year solid.

"This has to be a week where he wants to win this tournament. I'll try my best and hope it's enough," said Federer.