Federer clinched his 20th Grand Slam title last month when he beat Marin Cilic in the Australian Open final last year.
He requested a wild card at late notice to take part in Rotterdam this week.
Federer is looking to usurp Rafael Nadal at the top of the world rankings, although he will need to reach the semi-finals and countryman Stan Wawrinka could be a potential roadblock in the last eight.
The Swiss legend, 36, will be looking to become the oldest No 1 in ATP Tour history, with the previous record being held by Andre Agassi, who was 33 when he reached the summit of the game.
And Federer has explained the significance of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament to him.
“I took a rest in the first week straight after the Australian Open, we were at home with friends and family,” Federer said.
“Especially family, just getting away from it all because there was a lot of people in Australia and now there is a lot of people back in Switzerland again visiting us.
“If I’m here it’s because I really want to be here. I really want to give it a chance and see what happens.
“My family, my wife, my friends, my coaching team; everybody needs to be on board with this that I’m doing and not just that it’s ok to do or that I’m supposed to be doing this.
“Honestly, memories are very strong for this tournament. It is one of my favourites, I love playing here. I won here back in 2012 and it’s not too far away from home so it made the decision that bit easier.”
Federer begins his Rotterdam campaign against Ruben Bemelmans tomorrow (9am).