‘I can still win a Grand Slam’
31 Dec 2013 6:36 AM IST
The 32-year-old won only one title in an injury-hit 2013, leading many tennis fans to wonder whether he would add to his record tally of 17 Slams.
However, the former world number one said he still had the ability to win one of the big four and identified Wimbledon as his best chance.
‘Let’s say I play my best, probably I always feel that Wimbledon is going to be my best chance,’ he said when asked which of the four Slams he thought he could win in 2014.
‘(Then) the US Open, Australian Open, and then the French Open. ‘But then again, who cares? It’s up to me to show it, to prove it, and give it a try and give myself opportunities like I have in previous years.’
Federer, who is playing the Brisbane International for the first time in a change to his Australian Open preparations, recently added former Swedish great Stefan Edberg to his coaching staff.
Edberg was a renowned serve and volleyer, and Federer conceded he would try and incorporate more of that style of play into his game. ‘It’s going to be interesting to see what he (Edberg) thinks -- if it’s possible to play a lot of serve and volley on the slower courts we see all around the world now, or if there are different ways for me to find my way to the net,’ Federer said.
‘I’ve tried many things. We can debate with Severin Luthi, my coach, about ways to come to the net or not. ‘Clearly it’s important to take time away from your opponent, to dictate play as well, as much as you can.
‘Also, you have to be able to not miss too much and physically stay in the rally, and mentally as well,’ he added. ‘So it’s a combination of many things now against the good players we know at the top.’ Federer said he expected Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to dominate the men’s game again in 2014, although he said he was pleased to see Andy Murray’s return from injury.
‘I think Rafa and Novak are going to be the ones to beat this season, particularly in the beginning,’ he said. ‘Then as we move forward, you have to see if they stay injury-free and keep on winning. ‘I kind of expect them to go deep in tournaments.’
Sharapova back with convincing win
BRISBANE: Every point mattered for Maria Sharapova in her competitive return from an injury layoff, even in a first-round match in the season-opening tournament.
Sharapova beat 74th-ranked Caroline Garcia of France 6-3, 6-0 Monday, ripping forehand winners and nullifying her rival’s biggest weapon with some aggressive service returns. She chased down balls to turn the tempo of games when she was behind, and celebrated break points with triple fist pumps even when the result was beyond doubt.
The four-time major winner played only one match following an early exit at Wimbledon last season due to a right shoulder injury. She showed no signs of soreness in advancing to the second round at the Brisbane International, her only warm-up event for the Australian Open.
Serena rivalry making me a better player: Azarenka
CHENNAI: Victoria Azarenka thinks her rivalry with Serena Williams is making her a better player and is looking forward to renewing it over the next four weeks at the Brisbane International and the Australian Open. World number two behind the 17-times major champion, Azarenka will only meet Williams if both players make the final at the Pat Rafter arena next weekend and Melbourne Park on Jan 25. ‘I think it’s great, first of all, to be a part of that rivalry because it really helps you to grow as a player, as a person. ‘You learn things about yourself and what you need to improve when somebody is challenging.’
However, the former world number one said he still had the ability to win one of the big four and identified Wimbledon as his best chance.
‘Let’s say I play my best, probably I always feel that Wimbledon is going to be my best chance,’ he said when asked which of the four Slams he thought he could win in 2014.
‘(Then) the US Open, Australian Open, and then the French Open. ‘But then again, who cares? It’s up to me to show it, to prove it, and give it a try and give myself opportunities like I have in previous years.’
Federer, who is playing the Brisbane International for the first time in a change to his Australian Open preparations, recently added former Swedish great Stefan Edberg to his coaching staff.
Edberg was a renowned serve and volleyer, and Federer conceded he would try and incorporate more of that style of play into his game. ‘It’s going to be interesting to see what he (Edberg) thinks -- if it’s possible to play a lot of serve and volley on the slower courts we see all around the world now, or if there are different ways for me to find my way to the net,’ Federer said.
‘I’ve tried many things. We can debate with Severin Luthi, my coach, about ways to come to the net or not. ‘Clearly it’s important to take time away from your opponent, to dictate play as well, as much as you can.
‘Also, you have to be able to not miss too much and physically stay in the rally, and mentally as well,’ he added. ‘So it’s a combination of many things now against the good players we know at the top.’ Federer said he expected Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to dominate the men’s game again in 2014, although he said he was pleased to see Andy Murray’s return from injury.
‘I think Rafa and Novak are going to be the ones to beat this season, particularly in the beginning,’ he said. ‘Then as we move forward, you have to see if they stay injury-free and keep on winning. ‘I kind of expect them to go deep in tournaments.’
Sharapova back with convincing win
BRISBANE: Every point mattered for Maria Sharapova in her competitive return from an injury layoff, even in a first-round match in the season-opening tournament.
Sharapova beat 74th-ranked Caroline Garcia of France 6-3, 6-0 Monday, ripping forehand winners and nullifying her rival’s biggest weapon with some aggressive service returns. She chased down balls to turn the tempo of games when she was behind, and celebrated break points with triple fist pumps even when the result was beyond doubt.
The four-time major winner played only one match following an early exit at Wimbledon last season due to a right shoulder injury. She showed no signs of soreness in advancing to the second round at the Brisbane International, her only warm-up event for the Australian Open.
Serena rivalry making me a better player: Azarenka
CHENNAI: Victoria Azarenka thinks her rivalry with Serena Williams is making her a better player and is looking forward to renewing it over the next four weeks at the Brisbane International and the Australian Open. World number two behind the 17-times major champion, Azarenka will only meet Williams if both players make the final at the Pat Rafter arena next weekend and Melbourne Park on Jan 25. ‘I think it’s great, first of all, to be a part of that rivalry because it really helps you to grow as a player, as a person. ‘You learn things about yourself and what you need to improve when somebody is challenging.’
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