In just two days, Roger Federer will return on tour to compete in the 2015 Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, which takes place from Aprill 11 to April 19, 2015. To help him prepare for his first tournament of the clay court season, Federer reportedly invited Austrian Dominic Thiem for a training session in his native Switzerland.

Thiem’s coach Gunter Bresnik told Austrian news outlet Kurier that they were pleased with the invitation. “To be invited is an honour,” Bresnik lamented. He added that the invitation was an award for what Dominic has been able to accomplish in the sporting world of tennis.

According to the report, Thiem has always been a fan of the 17-time grand slam champion since he was 12 years old. The report said that the 22-year-old Austrian also looks up to Federer and has always had the desire to be able to train with the Swiss tennis great.

Thiem is considered as one of the up-and-coming young guns in tennis. He reached his career-high singles rank at the 36th place in September 2014, but dropped in the latter part of the season. This year, Thiem continues to improve in the world rankings, moving nine places up to reach the 43rd spot. The Austrian is currently 7-7 this season. He last played at the 2015 Miami Open, where he reached the quarterfinals before losing to British tennis star Andy Murray 6-3 4-6 1-6.

Federer and Thiem are slated to take part in the 109th edition of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters. Last year, Thiem was given a wild card entry in the main draw, but his Monte Carlo Rolex Masters’ campaign was cut short when he lost to Nicolas Mahut in the first round. Federer, on the other hand, will be seeking for his first Monte Carlo title. He finished as a runner-up in three consecutive times from 2006 to 2008 against Rafael Nadal and in 2014 against compatriot Stan Wawrinka.

Federer and Thiem are joined by World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, eight-time Monte Carlo champion Rafael Nadal, and 2014 champion Wawrinka. Australia’s Bernard Tomic is also one of the participants in the tournament. The main draw will be held on April 11 at the Yacht Club de Monaco.

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