For avid tennis fans out there, it won’t be hard to believe that fourth-ranked Roger Federer still has what it takes to win another Grand Slam title despite being 32 years of age. If there’s any Grand Slam event that the Swiss star has a great shot of winning the title these days – it would be Wimbledon, an event he’s won seven times in the past.
“I feel like I’m a contender for the tournament,” Federer said. “I feel like if things click here, I should be able to win the tournament; whereas at Roland Garros I feel like I’m slightly more dependent on [Nadal].”
“[When I play at Wimbledon] it’s more on my racquet. As soon as that’s the case, you are more confident in your chances.”
A back injury last season hindered Federer’s movement but it still came as a huge shock when he made an unexpected exit in the second round at the All England Club. However, he’s putting that in the past now and he’s focusing on to the task ahead.
“It’s a pleasure being healthy and really fit and eager to give it a go again,” said Federer.
“This year I feel all the options are there: return, serve, serve and volley, my backhand – everything is working to my liking. For that reason, I feel I’m a bit more relaxed mentally because I know it is there.”
Federer’s warm-up to the tournament is doing well so far. He successfully defended the Gerry Weber Open in Halle a week ago.
“I think [Halle] helped me in that I know that things are good on grass. I’m not coming in from a bad [grass opener], which would have left more question marks. I think Halle was able to settle things down for me.”
“I clearly want to do better than last year, there’s no doubt about it,” he admitted. “I had too many hiccups leading into Wimbledon and I probably felt those [results]. Plus, Stakhovsky did play well, so you’ve got to give him credit.
“I hope to utilise my fitness, the amount of matches I’ve played this year. So I’m really coming in with a much better feeling than maybe in the last year.”
Federer is projected to meet Rafael Nadal in the semifinals at Wimbledon should the seedings hold.
