Roger Federer: When does Federer play in the Stuttgart Open? Who will he face?

Federer is in Germany as he bids to get back up to speed for Wimbledon.

The Swiss superstar took the clay-court season off after winning the Australian Open and a mixed time during the American leg of the season at Indian Wells and Florida.

He reached the final of Indian Wells only to lose to Juan Martin del Porto before losing the opening match of the Miami Open to Thanasi Kokkinakis.

But he returns this week in Germany on the grass courts of Stuttgart.

When does Federer play?

Federer has a bye in the first round meaning he will face the winner of Mikhail Youzhny and Misha Zverev, which is the third match on the main court today.

That means he is likely to play his first match on Wednesday, after the 12 first round matches are complete.

The action starts at 10am on the Center Court with five matches scheduled for today beginning with Rudolf Molleker against Jan-Lennard Struff.

Federer is the top seed for the event while also playing is Lucas Pouille, Tomas Berdych, Nick Kyrgios and Milos Raonic.

How will Federer become world No 1 again?

It’s simple for Federer, if he wins the tournament he will overtake Rafael Nadal as world No 1 again.

He could even earn himself the No 1 seed spot in Wimbledon with victory here and then again in Halle next week.

What does Federer think?

He insists his return to action may not be as smooth as many are expecting.

The 36-year-old said: "It’s not always that easy, especially on grass.

"The rallies are short, a few points decide them.

“It was like that two years ago against Dominic Thiem and last year I lost against Tommy Haas after having a match point.

"When it’s wet it gets slippery pretty quick and you are afraid to slip. Once you play timidly all the good practice was for naught and your good game is gone.

“In the last two years I lost against good players, so it also always depends on your opponent.

“Today I had fun. The grass doesn’t only look good, but is really perfect."