Roger Federer believes his best is yet to come this season following his disappointing showing at the French Open.
The Swiss star was surprisingly knocked out in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros by home favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, prompting further suggestions that his powers are waning, especially with him still to win a tournament in 2013.
However, the French Open signals the end of the clay court season, and he has now switched his attentions to grass, the surface on which he historically thrives.
The 31-year-old is currently taking part in the Gerry Weber Open in Germany, a tournament he has traditionally used as a warm-up to Wimbledon, recording five wins in Halle, although he has lost in the final in two of the last three years.
His defeat in the 2012 showpiece didn’t harm his SW19 form though, as he beat world number one, Novak Djokovic, in the semi-finals before overcoming Andy Murray in the final, to draw level with Pete Sampras’ open era record of seven titles.
He will understandably fancy his chances of retaining his crown when Wimbledon gets underway on June 24 and, after only playing a limited amount in the first half the year, is planning on taking part in a fuller schedule heading into September’s US Open.
Following his difficulties in recent months, Federer, a perennial favourite on Betting.betfair admits that he has been disappointed by his form but is confident that he will now get back to his best in the second half of the season.
“I have the feeling that the best part of the season is yet to come,” Federer said. “I do hope that the second half of the season will be better. I only draw the balance at the end of the year or after the US Open.
“Now I’m fully on the Tour, I am fresh and eager, having fun and am happy to play matches instead of being on the practice courts all the time.”
