Swiss tennis superstar Roger Federer said that it is “realistic” that he can regain the world number one ranking but he added that he had to play his best this season.
“It’s definitely realistic if I’m playing great, but I need to play absolutely great,” Federer said prior to the start of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this week.
“I can play great, but will I be allowed to? Time will tell. My big focus is on making sure that every tournament I enter I am perfectly prepared. I am hopeful I will get enough matches but if not my schedule can be changed,” he added.
Federer currently has 76 ATP World Tour titles including his 17 Grand Slam singles titles.
“I strongly believe I have more Slams in me,” he said. “Which Slam do I favour – does Wimbledon over-weigh the rest? Maybe, but looking back there have been amazing moments with each Slam.
“I would like to give myself the chance to play for many years to come. I am happy with the way my body is. I am healthy and happy to be playing.
“If you have the love for the game, as I have, you don’t wake up in the morning and ask yourself, ‘Am I really in the mood to go practice today? Or am I really in the mood to play a match today?’ I am excited and motivated to still be playing this sport.”
The five-time Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships titlist will face Malek Jaziri of Tunisia in the first round on Monday.
