Roger Federer gives verdict on Basel opponent Filip Krajinovic - 'I have to be careful'

ROGER FEDERER says he is expecting a challenge from his Swiss Indoors first round opponent Filip Krajinovic.

Federer returns to action this week in his hometown event after his surprise defeat to Borna Coric at the Shanghai Masters earlier this month.

The Swiss star is the top seed in Basel ahead of Alexander Zverev and Marin Cilic.

And he will be hoping to find some form ahead of the season-ending World Tour Finals in London next month.

The 37-year-old has won in Basel eight times and reached the final on 13 occasions.

Federer and Krajinovic have met just once before in Indian Wells.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion was a comfortable 6-2 6-1 winner on that day.

But when asked about his opponent, Federer revealed his relief at avoiding unseeded compatriot Stan Wawrinka.

However, he is still expecting a tough battle from the Serbian.

“I’m happy I avoided someone like Stan in the first round,” Federer said.

“That wouldn’t have been a lot of fun to be honest.

“So Krajinovic is fine. I played against him in a good match at Indian Wells.

“He didn’t play very well so I don’t take that result very serious, to be honest.

Filip Krajinovic lost to Roger Federer in their first match (Image: GETTY)

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“I know he can play very well, he’s got a lot of pressure himself with defending points in Paris next week.

“So obviously he would like to do well and he’s shown that he can produce results indoors so I have to be careful.

“He’s been injury free [now] I think because he’s struggled with injury.

“But I am happy to be here and I think Krajinovic is definitely going to challenge me so we’ll see how it goes.”