Federer has never played the Mexican Open in Acapulco - and organisers are desperate for him to showcase his talent in the country.

His sustained absence is largely due to the fact the Swiss legend has an agreement to compete in the Dubai Tennis Championships, which take place in the same week in late February each year.

Federer has competed in Dubai in each year he has been fit, since making his maiden appearance there in 2002.

And the Mexico organisers aren’t happy.

They were hoping to entice both Federer and Novak Djokovic to the 2018 Mexican Open but that now won’t happen.

Therefore, the organisers have contacted Federer about the possibility of an exhibition match in December 2018.

Mexican newspaper La Silla Rota claim the 19-time Grand Slam champion is close to signing off on the deal.

The two proposed venues for the exhibition match are the Plaza de Toros bullring or the Pegaso Stadium

Federer finished second in the ATP World rankings for 2017, behind Rafael Nadal.

Speaking in the summer about the likelihood of him competing in Mexico, Federer said: “Probably with Acapulco is it difficult as it clashes with Dubai, where I have been playing for many, many years and I like to go there.

“So I don't know at this point, but never say never. I love Dubai.

“Of course I would love to go visit Mexico again after all these years.”