Roger Federer got off to a perfect start in 2003 before turning into a memorable season, winning nearly 80 matches and lifting seven trophies, including Wimbledon and the Masters Cup. The Swiss lost a lot of energy in the closing stages of 2002 and got off to a slow start in the following season, struggling with a leg injury in Doha and Sydney and heading to the Australian Open with just a couple of matches under his belt.
Roger was among the title favorites in Melbourne, kicking off the action with a hard-fought 7-6, 7-5, 6-3 win over Brazilian Flavio Saretta in two hours and 48 minutes. Federer converted six of 17 break chances and got broken three times to find himself at the top without spending more time on the court.
Saretta kept in touch with the Swiss in the first two sets before Roger broke away in the third, feeling better on the court but still feeling there is room for improvement if he wanted to challenge for the trophy. In addition, the journalists asked Federer to share his thoughts on the blood tests, and he said that there was nothing wrong with them, as he had nothing to hide or worry about.
“The leg was good today; I’m happy about that. I had to run a lot, and it was a tough match. I’m glad it went well; I like how I played. The last time I played on Center Court was against Tommy Haas in 2002. It’s a nice atmosphere and the Australian people are friendly.
It’s important to find the right form in the first few matches and I think I can play better in the next one.”
King Roger is beloved by fans
Roger Federer is fast approaching his return, a priori scheduled for the fifth edition of his Laver Cup, which will take place from September 23 to 25 at the O2 Arena in London.
In the meantime, the Swiss has plenty of time to honor contracts and grant a few interviews, even if speech remains quite rare. Asked by the Dutch media Het Parool, the maestro explained how he reconciles his professional life and his personal life.
The key to happiness according to him. “I can put my cape on and be a superhero when I walk on the court, but when I’m done I like to take it off and be a normal man. I think I’m good at marking that difference and maintaining that balance.
That’s what makes me happy on the circuit. I like the intensity, living this feeling and being completely focused. But when it’s over, I wonder, “What are we eating tonight? “What do the children want to do? I can separate these two worlds.”
