Federer excited by challenge of new season
Friday, 31 December 2010
Federer is determined to regain the World No1 spot
Roger Federer is looking for "something extra special" ahead of his match with Robin Soderling, as he bids to return to the summit of the men’s game.
The Swiss world No2 believes the Mubadala World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi is the ideal preparation for an assault on the top spot currently occupied by Rafael Nadal.
Federer, who takes on Soderling in the first semi-final at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, began the year on a high winning the Australian Open but he failed to make the final of any of the remaining Grand Slams.
This drop from his previously high standards ensured he lost the coveted world No1 status to Spaniard Nadal.
But Federer is now ready to focus on the 2011 season.
He said: “I have never looked at a season as a full stop, but it’s full start again.
“For me, it’s somewhat continuous.
“It’s true that the points start from zero and off you go again into a new season.
“There’s always new stories, something different written, something different said and I think that’s the exciting point.”
On his previous season Federer said: “I thought it was another good year. Maybe, in other years I could have been world No1 if Rafa wouldn’t have won three Grand Slams.
“Winning one Grand Slam and the World Tour final usually puts you in a really good position to get to world No1 but Rafa has done similar in other years and finished number two in the world.
“So at the moment, you really need something extra special to be at the top, which I think is great for the game and he’s had an exceptional season.
“I’m pretty happy the way I played. I know I could have done even better because after Australia until the French Open, or even Wimbledon I didn’t really play a whole lot of matches.
“So for this reason I couldn’t pick up so many points and maybe couldn’t play my best because I was lacking matches.
“I had some tough losses but at the same time I was able to turn around some big matches that were really key and important to get back on track. I thought I had a great end to the season.
“Since Wimbledon I had only been able to reach semi-finals or finals. It shows I am playing really well on the hardcourts and I hope I can take it over to the next season.”
Federer said playing in Abu Dhabi is an important part of his preparation.
“It’s absolutely worth it,” he said.
“It’s paid off the last couple of seasons, played really well in Australia and had good seasons.
“It’s nice to be able to test yourself against other top players. It makes you feel a bit more relaxed because you can try out a few things, the next thing you know it’s working and you can carry it over to the next match.
“Winning always gives you great confidence and makes you feel really high. I’m playing great and hope I can keep that up here.
“The format has two matches for the players now and I have played really well against Ferrer (David) to get my first win here in Abu Dhabi and hope I can get two wins this time but the field is really difficult.”
Federer added that he does not believe in short-term goals and is always able to focus on his career as a whole.
He said: “I look at the long term, I am not driven by short-term success even though it’s obviously important for my confidence trying to win matches and tournaments.
“But I don’t get down on myself because I know I am very professional, I am doing the right things.
“It’s important to always try to keep on improving.”
Pal Tiger will return to the top
Roger Federer has backed good friend Tiger Woods to bounce back from his troubles and dominate the world of golf once again.
Like Federer, Woods lost his world no1 status, with Lee Westwood replacing the American at the top of the pile.
Woods endured a year in the spotlight after details of his infidelity were sprawled across the world’s media.
Federer said: “He is still a good friend of mine and it doesn’t matter what happened.
“I will happy to see him hopefully soon again. I really hope he gets back on winning ways again as a golfer. It would be wonderful to see him dominate the game of golf again.”
He added: “I think golf is still healthy without Tiger but obviously he’s a huge impact on the game, on the fans.
“So I hope to see him back at the top again very soon.”
Did Federer give Woods any help to deal with his troubles?
“If I do give him advice, it’s not through you guys,” Federer said.
“I don’t think he needs much advice when it comes to winning.
“He’s had more success than me. As a golfer, he has been there longer.
“He’s done amazing things.”
Source:
http://www.sport360.com/tennis/news/12101-tennis-federer-excited-by-challenge-of-new-season