Federer to play in Stuttgart tourney through 2017

LONDON — Roger Federer has agreed to play in the grass-court tournament in Stuttgart for the next two years, which would take his playing career at least halfway through 2017.

Organizers of the Mercedes Cup made the announcement on the tournament website Friday. The June tournament switched from clay this year to open the extended grass-court season and is a key warmup event for Wimbledon, where Federer is still seeking a record eighth title.

The 34-year-old Federer had previously said he was already planning for 2017, deflecting questions about eventual retirement.

Federer last played at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, eventually bowing out of contention. He is set to play in the International Premier Tennis League that is set to kick off tomorrow, December 2, in Japan.

The Swiss superstar will be suiting up for the UAE Royals in the multi-city tournament that will mount a second leg in the Philippines. — With a report form Philstar.com