The world number one opted out of the recent ATP Asian sojourn after a grueling mid-season, where he re-established ATP superiority with titles at Paris and Wimbledon plus a U.S. Open final appearance.

Federer will miss out on a possible re-run of the U.S. Open final, after ailing New York winner Juan Martin Del Potro withdrew with a lingering wrist injury.

The Argentine has not been the same player since he beat Federer for the trophy in September. Federer's record 15 Grand Slam titles will be feted in suitably high-class style on Monday's opening day, with a ceremony featuring a performance by Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballe.