Federer inspired by Hewitt; Says his motivation is at the top

The 31-year-old Federer, who grew up in tennis with Hewitt, 32, told Swiss media that his motivation remains as strong as it always was, with his confidence high despite his lowest ranking in a decade.

“Lleyton Hewitt is a good example for me,” he told Zurich’s NZZ am Sonntag. “The ranking could be 170th, 20th or 5th - it’s fun just to play.”

Hewitt, ranked 64th, has been denying the years in recent seasons after his comeback from multiple foot surgeries. The Australian has reached the semi-finals in Atlanta after playing a grass final in Newport.

Federer added: “My motivation is at the top. If I got to the point where I’d had enough of the travel and training then I would ask serious questions. But that’s not the case now.

“There comes a time when the ranking is not so important. Quite honestly, I don’t even know exactly what my current ranking. 4th? 5th? 3rd? It doesn’t matter to me so much.

“After Wimbledon, I was burning to play.”

The Swiss who looks consistently at the big picture in his career, said that he has dealt with doubts and harsh critiques before: “I have no problem with criticism, but I expect us to be honest,” he told NZZ.

“This situation is not new for me. In 2009 and 2010 already, people said: ‘He’s won everything, now it’s finished.’ The more people that comment, the more likely that someone will be talking nonsense.”

Date: 30th July 2013, Source: AFP

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Federer battling with back injury; Montreal Masters in doubt

Its been a tough two weeks for Roger Federer who is battling with his back pain by taking some pain killers through out the last week in Hamburg and now in Gstaad. The problem is a muscle spasm in the back.

"I've had serious problems with the back, I had to get some anti-inflammatories last week in Hamburg due to the back pain," Federer said after his shock loss to Daniel Brands as 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of Gstaad Open.

"My back felt ok enough, but not enough to play at 100 percent. I knew coming into the match that it would be a tough one. I didn't decide to play until after the warm-up in the afternoon, that's what a close call it was. I thought I had a chance to win at least one round."

"Some members of the team thought I shouldn't play. I'm relieved I played more or less correctly without making it worse. It was so tough to play and move out there today. I'll just have to take treatment and see how it all goes."

"I’m still happy that I came to Gstaad this week. It was great being back here and the crowd gave me a fantastic welcome."

I think he played the match for his fans who travels to Gstaad to watch him play. Indeed he had a great welcome on the court when he enters and till the end of the match.

His first US Open build-up event, the Montreal Masters from August 5, could now be in doubt.

"I will have to do a lot of exercises and see how it all feels. My main priority now is to fix my back. I would love to be able to train at 100 percent," said the former world number one.

"I'll have to see if the rehab is enough to let me play in Montreal. If it is, I'll go; if not, then it gives me another week."

"I will give myself three, four days time and will discuss with the team. We'll take it from there," Roger added in regard to his participation in Canada.

Date: 25th July 2013

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Federer suffers shock loss in Gstaad Open

Roger Federer suffered a shock loss on Thursday in the second round of the Crédit Agricole Suisse Open Gstaad, falling to Daniel Brands as 6-3, 6-4 in 66 minutes.

Federer, seeded first, saved a first match point by serving an ace when trailing 5-3, and a second in the next game with a forehand winner. Brands, who took a set off Federer in a second-round loss at Hamburg, then ended the 65-minute match with a service winner.

Federer was returning to Gstaad for the first time since he won the title in 2004 and where he debuted on the ATP Tour in 1998 as a 17-year-old ranked No. 702.

Federer rarely loses an opening match. This defeat ranks alongside that of his round-of-64 exit in straight sets at Indian Wells, Calif., in March 2007 to Guillermo Canas of Argentina, then ranked No. 60.

Federer was hoping to tune his game in Gstaad and Hamburg after his second-round exit at Wimbledon. After a three-week break, he returned in Hamburg, testing his new racket yet citing back pains that limited his movement. He lost there in the semifinals.

Brands broke Federer to lead 4-2 in the opening set when he put away an overhead at the net. But the 26-year-old German closed the first set with two aces, among his 11 for the match. Federer immediately lost serve in the second set by netting a backhand volley and saved three break-point chances to avoid trailing 3-0.

He shared that he's recently been struggling with back issues, but did not regret his decision to play in Gstaad.

"I decided after today’s warm-up whether I would play or not," he said. "I’m happy that I was able to play because I’ve had problems for some time now, already in Hamburg. But it didn’t get worse during today’s match. I’m positive and I felt that it was getting better during the last few days.

"I’m still happy that I came to Gstaad this week. It was great being back here and the crowd gave me a fantastic welcome."

Federer is to return next month at the Montreal Masters and then defend his Cincinnati Masters title before the U.S. Open begins Aug. 26.

Date: 15th July 2013, Source: AP and ATP

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Federer: "There will never be a rivalry like that between me and Nadal"

"For players like Rafa or me, being number 2 or number 5 isn't life-changing. What is life-changing is being number 1, as both of us has in the past. Being among the favourites is not important, the important thing is to believe that you are ready to win", says the Swiss tennis ace in an interview with Marca.

With regard to the current rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, he looks back on his years of battling it out against Rafa Nadal. To sum it up, he says: "There will never be a rivalry like ours. Not even that between Borg and McEnroe, despite their different personalities and one being left-handed and the other right-handed. Murray and Djokovic are very similar. Rafa and I are extreme opposites and that's what the fans like so much. Our rivalry isn't over, I'm sure it will be back, I miss it".

Choosing 2009 as his year, he explains, "In 2006, I won 92 matches and lost five. In 2003, I won my first Wimbledon and the Masters. But I finally won the Roland Garros in 2009, my wife was pregnant at that time. I equalled Pete Sampras's 14 Grand Slam record, and surpassed him at Wimbledon."

Federer goes to the U.S. Open as the number five seed. "Rafa was the number 5 for the Roland Garros and Wimbledon. If you play well, you play well, you have to beat everyone".

Date: 25th July 2013, Source: Marca

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Roger Federer to start 2014 season in Brisbane

Roger Federer will start his 2014 campaign at the Brisbane International next January, underlining the tournament's status as the biggest of the Australian Open warm-ups.

The Swiss, who has four Melbourne Park titles among his 17 grand slams, has never previously started the year in Brisbane and the announcement was billed as the “biggest ... in the history” of the event, which started in 2009.

In a break with his traditional Australian Open preparation at lucrative tournaments in the Middle East, the 17-time Grand Slam champion was today unveiled as the first big-name signing for the Brisbane event, which runs from December 29 to January 5.

The packed-house atmosphere of Pat Rafter Arena, the chance to acclimatise a fortnight ahead of the Australian Open and recommendations from other players were key to Federer's decision to visit Brisbane.

“I've heard many great things from the other players, they say it's a very friendly tournament, fan friendly, player friendly,” four-time Australian Open winner Federer said.

“For some time we've been in contact with Brisbane and I saw how the tournament got stronger and stronger ... and the connection with Pat Rafter, him having the arena named after him I think is great.

“I've always hoped that I could come there so I am happy we are all able to make it work. I'm not just coming to Australia for the Australian Open, especially when I commit so early in advance, it's also to win in Brisbane.”

It will be the first time he has been in Queensland since he was on holiday as a 14-year-old.

Tournament director Cameron Pearson said Federer wanted to play last year but his schedule changed as the year progressed. This time, he had made the decision to play in Brisbane prior to Wimbledon.

“It’s been a couple of years in the making. I think he was keen to come last year. It just didn’t work with his schedule,” Pearson said.

“He played a lot of matches in the first half of the year and changed his schedule in the second half of the year. I guess that’s why Roger has been at the top of his game for such a long time.”

“He is a global superstar and arguably the most accomplished tennis player in history. His attendance at this event will be a legacy for future generations," Pearson said.

“When Roger steps onto Pat Rafter Arena for the first time, it is going to be something special.”

Date: 24th July 2013, Source: Brisbane Times

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Federer looks to find his way in Gstaad; Waits on final racquet decision

Roger Federer looks for a lift on his return to the Crédit Agricole Suisse Open Gstaad, where he made his ATP World Tour debut 15 years ago. The Swiss won the title on his last tournament appearance in 2004.

“It’s good to be back, but it’s been a long time,” he said upon his arrival Monday. “I can’t believe it’s been nine years. It’s been 15 years since my first time here, so time flies on tour. Every day in Switzerland is special - especially playing in this country, I love it. I’m really excited to be starting here in a few days.”

While he stated, “I feel okay,” the 31-year-old Swiss admitted, “It’s been a tricky season, to say the least.”

Last week, Federer was upset by Federico Delbonis in the Hamburg semi-finals - his second straight loss to a player ranked outside the Top 100 of the Emirates ATP Rankings.

“Clearly I’ve been asking myself questions of how can I get out of, I wouldn’t call it a slump because I did win Halle in between, and I know that the game’s just around the corner,” he said. “It’s just important that I take the right decisions, how to move forward from here and then how I bounce back, because usually when things don’t go so well I find a way, and that’s what I’m looking for right now.”

Currently ranked No. 5, with 1,450 ATP Rankings points to defend ahead of the US Open, Federer added, “Right now it’s important for me to maintain my ranking, and eventually hopefully when I win big tournaments again or more tournaments, then I can move up again. Right now, I just need to first make sure that I’m healthy, that I do all the right things in practice and then that I can attack again in the matches.”

Federer will be back in front of his home crowd when he begins his Gstaad campaign against either German Daniel Brands, whom he rallied to defeat in three sets last week, or Swiss wild card and childhood friend Marco Chiudinelli.

“I feel like I play home almost everywhere I go; I have so much support all around the world, but there’s nothing like playing in front of your own,” said Federer. “There’s no doubt about it that it’s extra special - more friends and family can come support you and see you. Also once the match is over you go hang out with them more often, so it’s really comfortable as an environment.

“It’s nice, it’s home, it’s the cows, it’s the Alps, it’s everything you know about Switzerland and more, especially here in Gstaad. It’s a very unique event and I’m happy to be part of it again this year.”

Federer waits on final racquet decision:

Federer began testing a larger 98-square-inch racquet last week in Hamburg and he will spend this week at the Gstaad Open testing his new larger racquet and will make a decision later on whether to use it in the run-up to the US Open and beyond.

He said he needs more time and matches to make a final decision on the prototype model.

"So far, I'm happy with this change," said the 17-time Grand Slam champion, "But I need many hours on the court to see if this is a good decision.

"I haven't yet taken the decision on whether to use it in the US (he begins his pre-US Open campaign in Montreal Masters).

"I still need to think it over. There are players who have experienced" problems when they changed racquets, Fernando Verdasco and to some extent Novak Djokovic."

Date: 23rd July 2013, Source: ATP and AFP

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Federer taking the positives from Hamburg semis loss

Roger Federer rued his missed opportunities in a 7-6(7), 7-6(4) semi-final defeat to Federico Delbonis on Saturday in Hamburg, but credited the qualifier with better play on the clutch points.

Federer led by an early break in the first set and also had a set point in the tie-break. He had a chance to break Delbonis midway through the second set, but could not take his opportunity to push the match into a third set.

“I think he was a bit better than me today,” said Federer, a four-time former winner of the German Tennis Championships.  “Both sets could have gone either way. So, it’s clearly a pity I couldn’t win either of the sets because I was starting to feel better towards the end of the match. But unfortunately I couldn’t push him further and create more chances today.

“I think the conditions were totally different to last night. It was wet and heavy last night, under the lights,” said Federer, who had battled past Florian Mayer on Friday evening. “It’s a quick turnaround to quick conditions today and a totally different opponent. But that’s no excuse.”

After a shock second-round exit at Wimbledon, where he was also beaten by a player outside the Top 100 of the Emirates ATP Rankings – World No. 116 Sergiy Stakgovsky, Federer had transitioned to a larger racquet frame. He made his debut with the new 98 square-inch frame this week and was pleased to have battled through three tough matches.

"I don’t think it had much to do with the racket today,” said Federer. “I tried everything I could at this tournament. It’s been a difficult week throughout. But I’m happy I fought through many matches. It gives me the matches I was looking for.

"I was clearly hoping, after winning a tough one yesterday, to somehow get through today and then give myself an opportunity to win the title tomorrow. It’s disappointing, but defeats like that happen sometimes.

"I had a great time. I really enjoyed playing in front of the people here in Hamburg on the Centre Court where I’ve had so many nice moments in my career. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the finals, but nevertheless, I did have four good matches and these are the kind of matches I need."

Date: 20th July 2013, Source: ATP

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Federer battles past Mayer to reach Hamburg semis

Roger Federer will face qualifier Federico Delbonis in the semi-finals of the German Tennis Championships in Hamburg after overcoming a stern test from Florian Mayer in Friday’s quarter-finals.

Federer had never previously lost a set to Mayer in their four meetings, but found himself repeatedly pegged back by the dogged German before prevailing 7-6(4), 3-6, 7-5 in two hours. The Swiss twice squandered a break advantage in the third set before breaking decisively in the 11th game.

“It was extremely difficult,” said Federer. “I started really well. I thought we were both hitting the ball well in the first set and not giving each other that many chances. It went down to the wire. I'm happy I played a good tie-break. I should have been up early with a break in the second set; he got me there. It was a bit of a rollercoaster till the very end of the match. Just had to tough it out.

"The conditions were cold and heavy, the clay was heavy. So, it was different than we had expected at the beginning of the day when we thought we would play at 5:15pm. I have to say that I really enjoyed the match. It was a tough match and Florian fought hard."

Federer has never played the No. 114-ranked Delbonis before. Argentinean completed a surprise 6-7(5) 7-6(8) 6-4 victory over Fernando Verdasco on earlier today. He is bidding to reach his third ATP World Tour final of the season, having won his 77th tour-level title at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle (d. Youzhny) and finished runner-up at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome (l. to Nadal).

Date: 19th July 2013, Source: ATP

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Federer reached Hamburg quarter final

Top seed Roger Federer will face Florian Mayer in his eighth tour-level quarter-final of the season. The Swiss reached the last eight at the German Tennis Championships on Thursday in Hamburg as he defeated Jan Hajek 6-4, 6-3.

Federer squandered 10 of his 13 break points, including five match points in the eighth game of the second set, but prevailed in 72 minutes. In his first tournament since a shock second-round exit at Wimbledon, the Swiss is playing with a new racquet, with a larger 98 square-inch frame, and is bidding to win his second ATP World Tour title of the season.

"I guess it’s to a degree some more getting use to, just to see how it reacts on every single shot," he said of his new racquet. "Clearly it reacts better to some shots. But it's important not to think of it the whole time, not to talk about it all the time, but more just sort of go with it, fight for every point, have the right mindset, be optimistic about playing here now and wanting to achieve a good result and that’s what I'm doing."

The 31-year-old Federer has a 31-4 event record in Hamburg, where he is playing for the first time since 2008. He won the title in 2002, 2004-05 and 2007 (d. Nadal) and finished runner-up in 2008 (l. to Nadal).

"I’m just still looking for the timing and the rhythm here, but the longer I stay in the tournament the more confident I am that I’m going to play better and better as the tournament goes on," he said.

Date: 18th July 2013, Source: ATP

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Roger's New Racquet: "So Far, So Good"

Roger Federer debuted his new racquet, with a larger 98 square-inch frame, on Wednesday in a three-sets win over Daniel Brands at the German Tennis Championships in Hamburg.

“I’m pleased how it’s playing,” he said after the match. “I kind of knew it from practice, so it wasn’t like just jumping into the water, but I'm very happy that under match conditions I was feeling comfortable with it. I’m satisfied.”

Federer used the extra time following his early exit at Wimbledon to make the switch from the 90 square-inch racquet head he’s been using for more than a decade.

“I’ve been very close on numerous occasions to change racquets in a bigger way,” he said. “But then very often, time was the issue. Maybe also just the records of Grand Slams - I was always keeping on playing quarters and semis - so then it was also a bit more difficult to change it because of the time.

“This time around, all of a sudden I just had the extra 10 days, two weeks I was looking for, and I really was very serious about it. Wilson flew to Switzerland and we went through the whole process and I was very happy how things went over there.”

While he did not elaborate on the specific changes, Federer called it a “different type of racquet”, sharing that Wilson has been working on the prototype for many years.

“I’ve been testing racquets, in a way, for my whole career,” said the 31 year old. “I’ve had changes to my old racquet in the last sort of 10, 11 years ever since I changed here actually in 2002 from the 85 to the 90. We’ve always been in close contact and I know they’ve been always working on things.

“After I lost at Wimbledon, I thought this is a good time to go and test the racquets, to take a bit of time off and then add some tournaments and see was there enough time to change or not. I'm happy I did the change and now we'll see how it goes. So far, so good.”

Date: 18th July 2013, Source: ATP

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Federer rallies to win at German Championships

Roger Federer rallied to beat Daniel Brands as 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday at the German Tennis Championships in Hamburg. The 17-time Grand Slam champion is a four-time winner in Hamburg, the city where he won his first title in 2002 to break into the top 10.

Using a bigger racket for the first time (98 Sq. inches), Federer served three aces in the opening game but still lost his serve and ultimately the set to the German.

Brands, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Wednesday and received a cake after the match, got few presents from the top-seeded Federer in the last two sets. However, the Swiss star needed four match points to close it out. He finished with nine aces on the clay-court surface.

''It was a tough match. Daniel is playing a very good season. I think it was good for me to have a match like this and come through at the end," said Federer. "Clearly these kind of matches are always important, especially losing the first set makes things difficult. You’re not allowed to make many more unforced errors in crucial moments and I was able to come through and play better as the match went on. That’s always encouraging for the next round.''

Federer will play qualifier Jan Hajek of the Czech Republic, who beat 15th-seeded Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.

Date: 17th July 2013, Source: AP

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Federer looks for confidence boost in Hamburg

Roger Federer admitted that he is pleased to be competing again at the German Tennis Championships, where he is a four-time former titlist.

Federer, who lost to Sergiy Stakhovsky in the second round at The Championships, admitted, “I think this decision was made very quickly the day after Wimbledon.

“I thought, what are my options now? Do I need more practice? Do I need more matches? What does my heart say? I really wanted to play some more matches.”

Federer decided to compete in Hamburg for the first time since 2008.

“I first entered into the Top 10 rankings at Hamburg in 2002,” recalled Federer. “That is something that can never be taken away from Hamburg or me. It was one of my dreams. I have always enjoyed coming back here, winning here. I have had milestone victories here and also times when I have learnt a lot.

“Right now I just want to win a lot of matches, hopefully win a couple of tournaments and then sort of build confidence and go from there into the hard courts.”

This week in Hamburg, Federer opens his campaign against Daniel Brands on Wednesday. He has a 29-4 tournament record.

Date: 15th July 2013, Source: ATP

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Roger Federer's Hamburg 2013 draw and possible opponents

Roger Federer will return to action in Hamburg on next week where he has been crowned as a champion for four times when the tournament was played as Masters series event. On few days before Federer has accepted the wild card and he will be the top seed.

The draw for the German Tennis Championships in Hamburg is out on today and it has some of the strong players in the main draw. Federer will receive a bye in the first round. In the second round he could play Daniel Brands or Paolo Lorenzi. Then he will meet Ernests Gulbis in the third round before a potential encounter with Dolgopolov or Lopez or Davydenko in the quarterfinal. In the semifinal our champ could meet Jerzy Janowicz or Andreas Seppi. In the final Federer will play either German veteran Tommy Haas or Spaniard Nicolas Almargo.

The tournament starts on 15th July 2013, Monday.

Qualification matches are yet to finish. Sergiy Stakhovsky is currently playing in the qualifiers. Even, if he qualifies, there is a very remote chance that he might play against Federer in the 3rd round (provided he qualifies, falls in Federer's draw and manages to beat Ernests Gulbis).

Hamburg 2013 seedings:

1. Roger Federer
2. Tommy Haas
3. Nicolas Almargo
4. Jerzy Janowicz
5. Juan Monaco
6. Andreas Seppi
7. Alexandr Dolgopolov
8. Jeremy Chardy
9. Benoit Paire
10. Tommy Robredo
11. Feliciano Lopez
12. Fabio Fognini
13. Mikhail Youzhny
14. Fernando Verdasco
15. Ernests Gulbis
16. Martin Klizan

Date: 13th July 2013

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Roger Federer to play Hamburg on this month

Roger Federer will play this month at the German championships in Hamburg, adding a second ATP tournament after Crédit Agricole Suisse Open Gstaad to his unexpected clay court schedule in July.

Federer says on his official website he has entered the tournament which starts July 15.

The following week Federer is committed to the Swiss Open in Gstaad where he last played in 2004 and won the title by beating Igor Andreev as 6-2, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.

"I am also looking forward to competing in Hamburg this summer. I always did very well at Rothenbaum, played some fantastic matches and celebrated important victories there - great memories!" said Federer.

Federer had won four titles at Hamburg, most recently in 2007 when the event had Masters Series status by defeating Rafael Nadal as 2-6, 6-2, 6-0 in the final. But has not played in the German city since 2008.

Date: 3rd July 2013

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Roger Federer to play Gstaad Open in Switzerland

Roger Federer, winner of a record 17 Grand Slam titles and ATP No. 1 for a record 302 weeks will return to the Crédit Agricole Suisse Open Gstaad 2013.

Nine years after his last title in Gstaad, Roger Federer will take part in the Crédit Agricole Suisse Open Gstaad 2013.

Arguably the greatest tennis player of all time, the legend with 17 Grand Slam titles, 77 ATP titles and 905 match wins, has been granted a main draw singles wild card at the Crédit Agricole Suisse Open Gstaad from July 20th to 28th! His last participation in Gstaad goes back to July 2004 when he won the tournament in a four-set final against the Russian Igor Andreev.

For the first time in the tournament's history, the No. 1 and No. 2 seeded players will be Swiss: Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka.

"I'm looking forward playing in Switzerland in front of my fans and to participate once again in the tournament that offered me my first wild card on the ATP World Tour when I was only 16 year old. I have got a lot of great memories of the tournament in the mountains of Switzerland." said Roger Federer.

The municipality of Saanen, Swiss Tennis and Grand Chelem Management, are honoured and proud to welcome the two best players in the country to Gstaad. « We're already dreaming of a 100% Swiss final between Federer and Wawrinka » says Jean-François Collet – Director of the Crédit Agricole Suisse Open Gstaad. For this, the two Top 10 players will have to play their best tennis against tough players entered in the Bernese Alps tournament such as Janko Tipsarevic, Juan Monaco, Benoit Paire, Jérémy Chardy and Mikhail Youzhny.

The Crédit Agricole Suisse Open Gstaad will take place from July 20th to 28th 2013.

Date: 2nd July 2013, Source: Gstaad Open

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