Roger Federer has insisted he is full of confidence ahead of the 2014 season despite a disappointing couple of years. Federer’s has revealed much of his confidence has come from the fact his is fully fit and injury-free, as well as having a full winter of working with new coach Stefan Edberg. While the Australian Open odds aren’t giving Federer much hope in Melbourne later this month, there will be more than a few Betfair customers backing Federer to win a fifth Australian Open title.
Federer has hired formed world number one Edberg to work with current coach Severin Luthi for 10 weeks starting at the Australian Open in January, although the two have been working together through the winter. Federer will warm up for the first grand slam of 2014 at the Brisbane International, beginning the event as one of the favourites with Betfair, before heading to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
The Swiss star hasn’t won a grand slam since the 2012 Wimbledon Championships, failing to reach a major final since his victory at the All England club 18 months ago. A disappointing 2013 saw slip down the rankings, only narrowly reaching the ATP World Tour Finals in London after finishing the season ranked sixth in the world. Betfair customers might feel differently about backing Federer this year after hearing his confidence, however.
The 32-year-old has admitted he feels in great shape going into the new season, full of belief that he can still compete with the world’s best players.
“I was able to do more than I thought which is very encouraging. I didn`t play any exhibitions which allowed me to train extremely hard and for a longer period of time.”
“It’s the first time in a year that I could practice three, four weeks in a row without any setbacks which has been the problem the last one-and-a-half years. Every time I had training (in the past) I had setbacks, little aches and pains, especially in the back from time to time… which cost me confidence.”
