A day in the Life of a Roger Federer Fan - A must read article

When you’ve followed Roger for as long as then you’ve experienced just about every emotion possible and witnessed the spectacular to the painful.

1. When you see a player hit a genuine winner against him

 

2. What it’s like when JesusFed turns up for the whole tournament

3. When Nadal wins yet another Grand Slam

 

4. When Roger goes to 5 sets against Gilles Simon

5. When Roger loses to Djokovic in a US Open Semi Final

6. When you wake up at 4am just to watch Fed play a match

7. When you watch Djokovic beat Nadal in a final

 

8. Whenever Roger plays Roddick

9. How it feels when Fed hits a Tweener

10. When Roger wins a “tough” match without breaking a sweat

11. Whenever you read an article that says Murray is favourite for a Slam

12. When you’re all in agreement Fed got a good draw

13. When a non tennis fan tells you Roger is the GOAT

14. When Roger wants a match over with

15. When someone tells you they’re a Nadal fan

16. How you react when Roger loses a Slam Final

 17. When someone tries to talk to you about Non Federer related stuff

18. What it’s like when you play Nadal on Clay

19. When a Murray fan actually says something useful

 20. When it’s only a matter of time before Federror makes an appearance

21. When someone disturbs you after a painful loss

22. How it feels when Roger fails to consolidate a break

23. When Roger hits a stupid drop shot on a key point

 24. When Roger gets broken serving for a set

25. When Roger beats Nadal in the French Open Final

Date: 30.05.2012, Source: Perfect Tennis UK

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Federer set a new record of Grand Slam match wins

Roger Federer moved clear of Jimmy Connors on Wednesday for most matches won at the four Grand Slam championships in the Open Era (since 1968).

Federer improved to 234-35 lifetime after he battled to beat World No. 92 Adrian Ungur of Romania 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-3 at Roland Garros for a third round match against Slovakian Martin Klizan or Nicolas Mahut of France.

"I reached the tie-breaker and instead of being aggressive, I let him show me what he could do," said Federer. "He played two beautiful shots, and then I started not playing very well."

"Even though I won the first set 6-3 with a solid break, I knew that if he was to get in the match, it would be more difficult, and he had many opportunities during the second set. In the third set I made wrong decisions. He got in the match, and he played a very good third set. Then he relaxed a bit at the beginning of the fourth set, which was quite crucial."

Federer saved two set points at 4-5, 15/40 in the third set, then he squandered two match point opportunities at 6-4 in the tie-break with mis-timed groundstrokes. He lost four straight points and a net-rushing Ungur clinched the 48-minute third set when he rushed Federer into a backhand error. Federer is now 9-6 this year in tie-breaks.

Ungur, who plays German Bundesliga tennis for TC Amberg, began to tire at the start of the fourth set that saw Federer take a 3-0 lead. It proved to be enough and the 30-year-old Federer improved to a 33-4 record on the season with victory in just just over two hours and 30 minutes.

The 16-time major champion, who won the 2009 Roland Garros title (d. Soderling), hit 15 aces and 50 winners. He converted four of his 12 break point opportunities. Federer won his 20th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title at the Mutua Madrid Open (d. Berdych) earlier this month.

Date: 30.05.2012, Source: ATP

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Federer records 50th match win at Roland Garros

Roger Federer equalled Jimmy Connors' record for most Grand Slam match wins (233) on Monday when the third seed and 2009 champion defeated Tobias Kamke of Germany 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 at Roland Garros.

Federer, who is competing at his 50th major championship, is now 233-35 lifetime at the Grand Slams. It was also the 50th victory of his career at Roland Garros (50-12).

The Swiss superstar is looking to become the first man aged 30 or over to win a major title since Andre Agassi won the 2003 Australian Open aged 32 years, 272 days. Federer beat Soderling for the 2009 title and is also a four-time runner-up.

"I get a great deal of pleasure playing here. When I play well, the numbers come with me. It's great to have played and won here so often. I hope it continues," said Federer.

Federer will next meet Romania's Adrian Ungur, who hit 46 winners past David Nalbandian of Argentina in a 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 victory.

Date: 28.05.2012, Source: ATP

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Federer: "Right where I want to be"

Roger Federer is healthy and ready to begin his quest for a 17th major title at Roland Garros. Federer has won an ATP World Tour leading four trophies this season heading into Paris, including his 20th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown in Madrid.

“I feel really good. Much less problems than I had through Madrid and Rome,” said Federer. “I took three days off after the Djokovic match from Rome and just came here and relaxed and started practising Wednesday. So I feel right where I want to be a few days before the event.”

The Swiss completed a career Grand Slam on Court Philippe Chatrier three years ago, and has established consistency at the second major tournament of the year, reaching the final in five of his past six appearances.

“Obviously 2009 was very, very special winning here,” Federer said. “Just the emotions were ridiculous, and I got amazing crowd support. It was the same again basically last year, which was so nice to see."

“I’m looking forward to it again this year. It would mean a lot to me, because I have had some of those great emotions I was just telling you about. To relive those would be amazing, winning the title here, no doubt.”

Federer, who faces Tobias Kamke in the first round, could clash with Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Date: 27.05.2012, Source: ATP

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"Very special time in tennis" says Federer

Roger Federer, the 2009 titlist and 16-time major champion, challenges Germany's Tobias Kamke in the first round. He could overtake Jimmy Connors' 233-49 record for most Open Era Grand Slam match wins if he advances to the third round. The Swiss, appearing at his 50th successive major, is currently 232-35 overall. He has a 49-12 lifetime mark at Roland Garros. Federer may face No. 28 seed Andy Roddick in the third round, No. 15 seed Feliciano Lopez in the Last 16 and either No. 7 seed Tomas Berdych or No. 9 seed and recent Estoril Open titlist Juan Martin del Potro in the quarter-finals.

Federer, who turned 30 on 8 August 2011, is looking to become the 11th different man aged 30 or over to win a Grand Slam title since 1968. The last man to win a major title aged over 30 was Andre Agassi, who was 32 years 272 days old when he won the 2003 Australian Open. Andres Gomez was the last man to win Roland Garros aged over 30, when he won the 1990 title aged 30 years 103 days.

The Swiss could snatch a record 17th grand-slam crown on the Paris clay, while Nadal wants to secure a record seventh French title and world number one Djokovic hopes to become the first man in 43 years to win the four major titles in a row.

"Well, I think at the moment it's quite incredible. I can't see one player not playing well at the moment, finding things difficult," world number three Federer, who won his only French Open title in 2009, told a news conference on Friday.

"Some say two play well, one plays slightly less well, but the three play very well all along."

"But Novak deserves it. Nadal, too. It's true that we're going through a very special time in tennis."

The Roger v Rafa duel has turned into a three-way rivalry with Djokovic taking over as world number one. What now what stands between Djokovic and greatness is the Spaniard's dominance on clay.

"It's an amazing achievement in itself to win three (grand-slam events) in a row. Four in a row is just another amazing step," said Federer.

"I think the toughest part is the very end, the back end of it. I've been there twice, I think. I was twice in the finals, twice a couple of sets away."

"I was playing Rafa here, which doesn't make it a whole lot easier. But it's easier to maybe start with the French in this era and then finishing it on the hard court."

According to Federer, who lost to him four times in the Paris final, Nadal is the favorite for the claycourt tournament starting on Sunday.

"I think Rafael playing for his seventh title is the favorite. I think he lost only two sets between Rome, Monte Carlo and Barcelona, so that's a pretty good start."

"Then he's playing for his seventh title, so no discussion. We're crazy to even talk about this. Some people might say he's not the favorite, but to me he's the favorite."

"I played him so many times here. I know how incredible he can be here in Roland Garros."

Date: 25.05.2012, Source: Reuters and ATP

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Roger Federer's Roland Garros 2012 Nike outfit

Link: More photos of the outfit

Date: 21.05.2012

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Roger Federer lost in Rome semifinal

Roger's quest for back-to-back claycourt titles was ended by a 2-6, 6-7(4) defeat in the semi-final in Rome against Novak Djokovic.

Roger was broken twice in the opening set in their first encounter since the US Open last year. Roger was constantly under pressure and could not keep up with Djokovic's pace in the rallies. After falling a break back in the second set as well, Roger started to play more aggressively, varying his game and broke back after saving a match point. But in the following tie-break, Djokovic made the crucial points to win the match and book a spot in the final against Rafael Nadal.

Federer said he was feeling tired having won the title in Madrid last weekend but admitted he had been outplayed.

"I thought he played very, very well," he said. "He's not the number one in the world for no reason."

"I had a couple of chances in the second set but couldn't take them."

"But I would have taken my results from these two weeks, so I am very happy going into Paris."

"The love showed by the crowd to Roger Federer on today's match is priceless & unforgettable." said Pete Sampras.

Date: 20.05.2012, Source: RF Official & Reuters

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Federer sets Djokovic SF clash

World No. 2 Roger Federer set a semi-final showdown with top-ranked Novak Djokovic at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Friday, breezing past Andreas Seppi 6-1, 6-2 in Rome. Federer and Djokovic will face off for the first time since the 2011 US Open final four, when Djokovic saved two match points to edge the 16-time major champion in five sets.

Playing Seppi for the ninth time, Federer converted four of his eight break point opportunities, and hit 81 per cent of his first serves in play to remain undefeated against the Italian, advancing in just 54 minutes.

"I was happy with everything," stated Federer. "I knew Seppi being a favourite for the fans here was going to be a tough match. I was able to really take it to him right from the start, being aggressive, and it all played out. It's a nice win on clay for me."

The Swiss, coming off a triumph at the Mutua Madrid Open last week (d. Berdych), is bidding to lift his fifth trophy of the season, following successes in Rotterdam (d. del Potro), Dubai (d. Murray), Indian Wells (d. Isner) and Madrid.

The 30-year-old Federer holds a 14-10 record against Djokovic, but has dropped four of their past five encounters. Federer is 3-1 versus the Serbian on clay, having ended Djokovic 43-match win streak last year in the Roland Garros semi-finals.

"Tomorrow, I've got a chance against Djokovic," Federer said. "I'm looking forward to that match. It's another night session. I'm happy I'm playing so well on the court."

Date: 19.05.2012, Source: ATP

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Quarter final in Rome

Roger won his third round match against Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals in Rome.

Roger managed his first break in the opening set in game number 6. After that, it was a one-sided show in favour of our champion. But after clearly taking the first set, Roger faced a more aggressive Ferrero in the second, as Roger lost a bit of his sharpness and committig a string of unforced errors in the midsection of the set. The two players held serve until the Spaniard finally broke to move 6-5 up and later take the set. Roger then flipped the swith for the decider, grabbing a break in the second game and another one in game number six to book his spot in the round of the last eight.

Roger will play Andrea Seppi in quarter final.

Date: 18.05.2012, Source: RF Official

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Federer make Forbes top 100 list

Roger Federer have made the grade in Forbes’ 2012 list of the world’s most powerful celebrities. Federer was the highest-ranked tennis players at No. 31, followed by Nadal (47), Maria Sharapova (71), Serena Williams (77) and Li Na (87).

Of Federer, Forbes wrote that he “has the most impressive endorsement portfolio in sports with nine sponsors that collectively earn Federer more than $30 million annually including long-term deals with Nike, Rolex, Wilson and Credit Suisse. He also commands more than $1 million per exhibition event. Federer is widely perceived as the greatest tennis player ever. He holds the records for most singles Grand Slam wins (16) and career prize money ($70 million). He appeared in a staggering 18 out of 19 Grand Slam finals between 2005 and 2010.”

The ‘Celebrity 100’ is based on entertainment-related earnings plus media visibility (exposure in print, television, radio and online).  Inclusion for the list covers film and television actors, TV personalities, models, athletes, authors, musicians and comedians.

Date: 17.05.2012, Source: ATP

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Blue or Red, result is same for Federer

Roger Federer began his quest to win the Internazionali BNL d’Italia for the first time with a confident 6-4, 6-3 victory over Argentine Carlos Berlocq Wednesday in Rome. Federer, who last week won a record-tying 20th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title on blue clay in Madrid, will next face fellow former World No. 1 and 2001 Rome champion Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Federer dropped just six points on his first serve and was broken once in the 70-minute match.

"I only decided today to play here after practise this morning," said Fereder, whose win in Madrid took him to 74 ATP titles.

"I wanted to see how I felt and that nothing major was bothering me. I'm happy I felt good out there, but I'm going round-by-round."

"We are ahead of a long summer, this is the start of many events in a row and potentially a lot of five-setters. I needed to make sure that I took a good decision."

The Swiss entered Rome at No. 2 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, having overtaken Rafael Nadal following his triumph at the Mutua Madrid Open. "I have a good win under my belt and I might be No. 3 next week, but that doesn't matter for me and Rafa," he said. "I know it is an interesting time right now and that there is a lot to talk about rankings. I know that I have a shot until the US Open with the No. 1 ATP Rankings and you will see."

Federer is on the hunt for his first Rome title after losing the 2003 and 2006 finals. The Swiss great never allowed Berlocq a look in as charged out by winning the first dozen points of the contest.
He said that making the quick-change from the speed of a Madrid clay court to the slower one in Rome is always a test.

"You have to make adjustments. Guys can stand way behind the service line here and you have to watch your returns. It changes the whole playing style from the baseline and how points are constructed."

Date: 16.05.2012, Source: AFP & ATP

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Roger Federer eyes return to world No. 1

Roger Federer admits he has one eye on eclipsing Pete Sampras' all-time record for most spent time as world No. 1 after leapfrogging Rafael Nadal in the world rankings.

Federer's victory at the Madrid Open saw him move back to No. 2 in the world rankings as he came from a set down to beat Tomas Berdych 3-6 7-5 7-5 on the controversial blue clay.

The last time Federer won in Madrid he went on to win the French Open - victory at Roland Garros would see him return to No. 1 - equalling Sampras' record of 286 weeks at the top of the world rankings.

"Back then I was just trying to stay world No. 1 and I never really looked at Pete's record that much," Federer said. "I guess I could have chased it a few years ago, just really trying to beat that record. It's no secret for any player out there that you'd rather be No. 1 than No. 2.

"But I look at the long term, maybe if I wasn't good enough to break that record, then maybe I never will be."

Novak Djokovic is aiming to hold all four major titles by winning the French Open, but while the Serb tips six-time champion Rafael Nadal as the man to beat at Roland Garros, Federer is a man in form - having claimed a fourth title of 2012 on the blue clay in Madrid.

"I don't need to beat every record Pete set, he's my idol after all and I'm just happy I'm that close already," he said. "But it's exciting times ahead for me. Winning so many tournaments and playing so well, obviously I do believe I can win the grand slams.

"But I know the difficulty of the French Open and the focus will be a lot on Novak because he's going for four in a row and on Rafa because he's the defending champion. It's going to be an exciting tournament."

Date: 14.05.2012, Source: ESPN

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Federer captures 20th Masters 1000 crown in Madrid

Roger Federer returns to No. 2 in the ATP Rankings after winning a record-equalling 20th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title on Sunday in Madrid. The Swiss defeated Tomas Berdych 3-6, 7-5, 7-5 in the final of the Mutua Madrid Open.

"It’s been a great spell and I couldn’t be more happy right now coming off a break winning right away," said Federer, who was playing his first tournament since early April. "It’s always an ideal scenario for what’s to come."

The 30-year-old Federer tied Nadal’s short-lived record for most ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophies. The Spaniard clinched his 20th title last month at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (d. Djokovic).  Federer is the all-time leader with 258 Masters 1000 match wins and won his first of the coveted trophies in Hamburg in 2003.

Federer’s return to No. 2 will see him hold the position for the first time since the week of 14 March, 2011. The Basel native has been in blistering form over the past eight months. Since losing out to Novak Djokovic in the US Open semi-finals, Federer has compiled a 45-3 match record and has lost prior to the semi-finals just once in nine tournaments (l. to Roddick 3rd Rd in Miami).

Federer captured an ATP World Tour-best fourth title of the season, adding to triumphs in Rotterdam (d. del Potro), Dubai (d. Murray) and Indian Wells (d. Isner). He was contesting his first clay-court tournament of the year, and was extended to a third set tie-break in his Madrid opening match against Milos Raonic.

“I was worried about getting through the first round and was not even thinking about who was going to be my second round opponent," he said. "I was very realistic coming into this event. Confidence is coming back. I was away and it didn’t take much for me to get my confidence back, especially now that I’ve been playing so well for the past nine months."

Berdych made the better start to the final, breaking straight away for a 2-0 lead. The Czech was denied a set point chance in the eighth game, but closed it out on serve in the following game. Federer looked set to level the match after an early service break in the second set, but squandered a set point in the ninth game as Berdych fought back to level. A double fault from the Czech proved costly in the 12th game, though, as Federer broke once more to steal the set.

After saving two break points at the start of the third set, Federer broke through in the eighth game courtesy of successive double faults from Berdych, who had just rallied from 0/40 with three aces. However, Berdych again hit back, breaking immediately to level up at 5-5. The Czech’s lives ran out in the 12th game. He recovered from a 0/40 deficit, but could not deny Federer on his fourth match point as he prevailed in two hours and 38 minutes.

"It was tough. I was almost down the entire time," admitted Federer. "Finally I got the break in the third, and then he broke back. Things got tough again. I played great. It's always special winning a title 7-5 in the third. The crowd was amazing so I'm very happy."

It was Federer’s 11th win in 15 meetings with Berdych. He came into the clash with the Czech player having lost three of their past five matches, including defeat in the 2010 Wimbledon quarter-finals.

Federer triumphed in Madrid for the third time in five finals. The right-hander lifted the trophy for the first time in 2006 (d. Gonzalez), when it was an indoor hard-court tournament, before regaining the trophy in 2009 (d. Nadal) on clay. He was runner-up in 2007 (l. to Nalbandian) and 2010 (l. to Nadal).

Date: 14.05.2012, Source: ATP

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Federer breezes into final with Madrid master class

Roger Federer will play for the No. 2 ranking in Sunday’s Mutua Madrid Open final after dismissing Janko Tipsarevic 6-2, 6-3 in the semi-finals on Saturday. Victory also saw the 30-year-old Swiss pass $70m in career prize money.

The third-seeded Federer will face Tomas Berdych in the final and takes in a 10-4 career lead over the Czech, including victory in both their clay-court meetings. The Basel native is bidding to win a record-equalling 20th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown.

In his fifth meeting with the No. 8-ranked Tipsarevic, Federer improved to a perfect 5-0 record as he dispatched the Serb in 67 minutes. Tipsarevic had ousted defending champion Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals, but lost his serve three times against Federer and won just 24 per cent of his return points.

"I think that the main reason is that he was a better player than me out there," said Tipsarevic. "The main thing is that he managed to adjust to the wind really, really well. I think that apart from being the best player, that he is probably the best the player in the world when it comes to adjusting to any situation on the court."

"It was a great event for me. I played semis, I beat two or three great players here. But I am a little bit disappointed with my performance today and I still think I could have done way better."

"I'm focused on what I'm doing this week," said Federer. "I'm trying to play well and get as far as I can. I've been able to get on a roll. I've played better as the week went on under tough conditions, especially with some wind tonight. I've had a lot on the line before, it's no different now."

"Berdych can be a big threat in a final like this. I expect quick points and big shots from both sides. I hope to play a clean match on serve and take it from there," said Federer.

Federer is through to the final at this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament for the fifth time. He lifted the trophies in 2006 (d. Gonzalez) and 2009 (d. Nadal) and finished runner-up in 2007 (l. to Nalbandian) and 2010 (l. to Nadal).

Federer is riding a 44-4 match record since losing to Djokovic in the US Open semi-finals last year. This season he has won three ATP World Tour titles in Rotterdam (d. del Potro), Dubai (d. Murray) and Indian Wells (d. Isner).

Date: 12.05.2012.

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Federer sinks Ferrer to reach Madrid semis

Roger Federer is one step closer to reclaiming the No. 2 spot in the South African Airways ATP Rankings after recording his 13th consecutive win over Spaniard David Ferrer to reach the Mutua Madrid Open semi-finals. The Swiss, who must win the title to displace current No. 2 Rafael Nadal, did not face a break point en route to a 6-4 6-4 win over Ferrer, who has never beaten the Swiss.

"I'm always pleased beating a local hero in their own country, it's never an easy thing to do," said Federer. "I'm extremely pleased to be in the semi-finals because it's really been a tough draw for me."

Federer, who will play Serb Janko Tipsarevic in Saturday's semi-finals, has dropped serve just once this week, saving seven of eight break points in his opener against Milos Raonic and two of two against Richard Gasquet in the third round.

Federer broke in the third game of the opening stanza and, while never hitting his top level, was ruthless when it came to capitalising on Ferrer's shortcomings.

Should Federer win the Madrid title, he will equal Nadal’s record of 20 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles.  Federer is looking to win his third title from his past six ATP World Tour Masters 1000 appearances, dating back to his victory last November at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris. During that time he also won a record sixth Barclays ATP World Tour Finals crown.

The match was watched by several Real Madrid's players Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso.

Date: 12.05.2012, Source: ATP & ESPN

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Federer makes quick work of Gasquet

After with a win over Milos Raonic in a third set tie-break Wednesday night, Roger Federer returned to the court less than 24 hours later and comfortably dismissed No. 14 seed Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-2 to reach the Mutua Madrid Open quarter-finals.

The World No. 3 raced through the match in 58 minutes, hitting 31 winners and breaking the Frenchman three times from six opportunities. Federer faced down one break point in the final game and proceeded to clinch the victory with an ace. Gasquet, a finalist last week at the Estoril Open (l. to del Potro), had defeated Federer in two of their three previous clay-court meetings coming into Thursday’s match.

Federer has now reached the quarter-finals in all nine of his Madrid appearances. He won the title in 2006 on hard courts (d. Gonzalez) and in 2009 on the tournament’s transition to clay (d. Nadal). Should he reclaim the title this week, Federer will ascend to World No. 2, surpassing Rafael Nadal, who lost to Fernando Verdasco earlier Thursday.

"I played clean tennis even though I went for my shots," Federer told a news conference.

"Maybe I made a few too many unforced errors but that's due to the ball flying here and being tough to control," added the 30-year-old, who said he understood Nadal's frustration with the playing surface."

"But overall I think I played a smart match and served well when I had to and played well on the big points again which I am very happy about."

The 30-year-old Swiss will next face World No. 6 David Ferrer, whom he leads 12-0 in the FedEx ATP Head2Head. They have met four times on clay, most recently in the Madrid semi-finals two years ago.

Date: 10.05.2012, Source: ATP

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Federer edges Raonic in final set tie-break

Roger Federer was challenged in his first clay-court tournament match of the season Wednesday, rallying past Milos Raonic 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(4) in a second-round clash at the Mutua Madrid Open.

"I had a tough first set and one bad game that cost me the set really," said Federer. "He could swing big on my service games and I couldn't do that much on his but I was getting more balls back as the match went on. I played a good tie-breaker overall."

The Swiss saved seven of the eight break points he faced, and overcame 21 aces from Raonic’s racquet to survive the Canadian’s upset bid in two hours and 14 minutes. Federer improved to 2-0 against Raonic, having prevailed in three sets at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Federer, who captured the title three years ago when the tournament transitioned surfaces from hard to clay, is seeking his first clay-court title since completing a career Grand Slam at Roland Garros in 2009. The 30 year old is playing his first event since falling to Andy Roddick in the third round of the Sony Open Tennis in Miami.

"Right now, I'm just playing good tennis and it's a big win because wins like this can create great things," said Federer. "It was pretty much a big struggle for me tonight but the level is pretty good and I'm happy where I am in the season."

The 19-time ATP World Tour Masters 1000 champion will square off against 14th-seeded Richard Gasquet in the third round.

Date: 10.05.2012, Source: ATP

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Federer fresh for clay swing after break

In fine fettle after a month-long rest, Roger Federer is ready to get his clay season underway and continue his bid to recapture the world number one ranking from Novak Djokovic.

The 30-year-old Swiss maestro has not played since losing to Andy Roddick at the Sony Ericsson Open at the end of March. He said he needed some time away from tennis to recharge his batteries and rid himself of one or two niggling injuries.

Federer has played some of his best tennis in years in winning three titles this year, including the Indian Wells Masters event, but knows that challenging Rafa Nadal on the Spaniard's favored clay and stealing his French Open crown in Paris starting at the end of this month will be a tall order.

"I feel good about my chances of playing well in the next few months," the world number three told a news conference at the Madrid Open on Sunday.

"But then again I am coming back on clay and Rafa has been so dominant on this surface for so many years so I know the task ahead of me," added the 16-times grand slam singles champion.

Federer said he had needed time out after an intense start to the year when he played 23 matches and lost just three, reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open before falling to Nadal. He won events in Rotterdam and Dubai to add to his success in Indian Wells.

He also had a busy end to 2011, triumphing at the World Tour finals in London in November after victories at the Paris Masters and his home event in Basel.

The rest was vital, said Federer

"I needed it because I did play so, so much and this break was also looking ahead to what's to come and there's a lot on my plate and want to be fresh in my mind and fit in my body for those big goals ahead," he added.

"It was more about relaxing my body because I had been playing with some niggling injuries over a few weeks, or a few months almost, and I am happy they went away."

"It was just to get away from tennis for a while really, get away from the craziness that surrounds it, the matches and the press and all that stuff."

"So that was nice to just recharge the batteries, that was the key during this break."

If Federer can leapfrog number two Nadal and topple Djokovic he would equal Pete Sampras's record of 286 weeks at the top of the rankings and the Swiss said he was in a "pretty good position" to do it over the coming months.

"All of a sudden if you do win a grand slam again you have a shot and if I do I'll probably be extremely close to world number one," he said.

"Then again - easier said than done. I know what it takes to win a grand slam. It's hard, it's always been hard."

"It's still far away for me and my focus is on my next match here on Wednesday."

"But it is a dream for me this year try to achieve that again. I'll try to chase that as hard as I can and see if it's possible. If not it's no problem and I'll just try to win tournaments which is a thrill in itself."

Federer, who has a bye into the second round, begins his Madrid Open campaign on Wednesday against the winner of the first-round match between fast-rising Canadian Milos Raonic and former world number three David Nalbandian of Argentina.

Date: 06.05.2012, Source: Reuters

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Federer faces tricky test in Madrid opener

The 11th edition of the Mutua Madrid Open, the fourth ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament, returns for the fourth year at the state-of-the art Caja Magica (Magic Box). The 56-player field  features 16 of the Top 20 players in the South African Airways ATP Rankings.

Roger Federer has a tricky opening round match against the winner of big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic and former World No. 3 David Nalbandian. Federer’s seeded opponent in the third round is No. 14 Richard Gasquet. Federer is 30-8 lifetime in Madrid and the past six years he’s reached the semi-finals or better, including runner-up showings in ’07 and ’10. In the quarter-finals, possible seeded opponents are Spaniards No. 5 seed David Ferrer and No. 11 Nicolas Almagro.

In the semi-finals Federer could meet Novak Djokovic and in the finals it would be Rafael Nadal.

Date: 05.05.2012, Source: ATP

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