'We will not see Roger Federer at Roland Garros'

Roger Federer says he won't play any clay-court events until the French Open, but one of his rivals reckons he won't be at Roland Garros either.

Federer, who sat out the second half of 2016 with a knee problem, now owns three trophies since January, when he started it all as he beat Rafael Nadal in an epic Australian Open final.

FEDERER v KYRGIOS: 'Greatest non-grand slam match ever played'

ALL CLASS: Federer responds to Kyrgios critics

The 35-year-old is off to a flying 19-1 start in 2017 after winning 11 consecutive matches as he now pauses to consider how much he will play in the clay season.

He apparently made the call in victory, telling US television: "I probably won't play any clay events except the French Open, my body needs healing.

"I'm not 34 any more, 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."

Federer at the 2015 French Open. Image: Getty

But Frenchman Nicolas Mahut thinks Federer won't be playing on clay at all in 2017.

Mahut, a clay-court specialist, told French publication L'Equipe that Federer "would want to win" the French Open, but will withdraw because he couldn't do so without adequate preparation.

"I think we will not see him at Roland Garros," Mahut said.

Mahut in action at the Miami Open. Image: Getty

The Frenchman added that Federer will "take a rest" and play next on grass in Stuttgart in June.

Federer has played 17 French Opens in his illustrious career, winning the title in 2009, but skipped the 2016 edition because of injury.

The Swiss, who now leads the points race to the year-end final, says he's not concerned with points or rankings, which he believes will take care of themselves as he sticks to his carefully mapped plans which have worked a treat so far.

"I want to stay healthy and enjoy myself. When I'm feeling good I can produce tennis like this. If I'm not healthy, I won't be in these finals," he said.

with AAP