After skipping the clay-court swing for the second straight year, Roger Federer will kick off his grass-court season in Stuttgart, Germany this week.

The world No. 2 last played in Miami back in March, falling in his opening match before taking nearly three months off.

"I want to play matches again, not only to practice," Federer said. "I’m very much looking forward to my first match."

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For his first public grass-court practice, Federer took to center court to hit with German Philipp Kohlschreiber.

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In his pre-tournament press conference in Stuttgart, the 36-year-old confirmed that his contract with Nike ended in March and a new deal has not been signed. Federer is still in talks with Nike, who he's been with since 1994, but rumors have swirled about a possible switch to Uniqlo.

The Swiss is looking for more success in 2018 after defending his Australian Open title and returning to the world No. 1 ranking with a win in Rotterdam. He can retake the top spot from Rafael Nadal if he makes the final this week.

Just like last year, the 20-time Grand Slam champion will next head to Halle, where he's won the crown nine times.