Federer sends fans into a frenzy with new look

Roger Federer has returned to tennis after a two-week holiday, and fans have noticed a markedly different look for the Swiss legend.

After an incredible 2017 season that saw him snare the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles and rocket back up the rankings to finish No.2 in the world, Federer took a well-earned break in the Maldives with his family.

But the 19-time grand slam champion was back in the gym and on the practice court in Dubai this week ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Federer posted a pic to social media on Friday showing him working out with fitness trainer Pierre Paganini, and fans were immediately sent into a frenzy over the new look he was sporting.

As German player Andre Petkovic pointed out, Federer hadn't seemed to have shaved in a while.

"Peak beard, Roger," she tweeted in response to the photo.

The normally clean shaven Federer looked rather scruffy, but that's to be expected when you step out of the spotlight for two weeks.

Fans were loving the new look, full of praise on Twitter.

Fans were also taken aback by Federer's seemingly sweaty shirt, considering the unflappable legend hardly ever looks to be perspiring during matches.

Federer will return to the Hopman Cup in Perth this summer as he prepares to defend his Australian Open title.

The tennis great played the country-based, mixed-teams event in the lead up to the first grand slam of the year in January when he claimed his fifth title at Melbourne Park.

He reached the semi-finals of the last Hopman Cup with Swiss teammate Belinda Bencic, who he will again partner in Perth.

with AAP