After winning his third title of the year in Miami he told US television Federer said: "I probably won't play any clay events except the French Open, my body needs healing.

"I'm not 34 anymore, things have to change in a big way. I need a rest and time to prepare. You will probably see me at the French again."

But Federer has indicated he may miss the French all together.

"I will decide whether to switch to clay or not on May 10," the 18-time Grand Slam champion said on Monday.

"We will sit and speak about it: will we skip the clay season? Or it's better not to do it?

"Until then I will practice on hard. I will compete only when I'm ready and motivated."

Federer sat out the second half of 2016 before claiming the Australian Open.