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Rediff.com  » Sports » Doubt-free Federer chasing more glory at U.S. Open
This article was first published 11 years ago

Doubt-free Federer chasing more glory at U.S. Open

Last updated on: August 26, 2012 10:34 IST

Image: Roger Federer of Switzerland is interviewed during a press conference held on Arthur Ashe Kids' Day
Photographs: Mike Stobe/Getty Images for USTA

Twelve months ago, Roger Federer went into the U.S. Open with doubts, perhaps for the first time in his career.

A year on and the Swiss is back on top of the world rankings, the Wimbledon champion and chomping at the bit for a sixth title at Flushing Meadows.

"I felt good last year but probably felt that at times the matches were not always on my racquet," Federer told reporters on Saturday.

"This time around I feel like if I'm playing well I can dictate who's going to win or lose. It's going to take something special from my opponent to win.

"That's how it feels right now; then again, I might walk away from Monday having lost in the first round," he added.

'I knew at the U. S. Open I usually play so, so well'

Image: Roger Federer of Switzerland practices prior to the start of the 2012 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Photographs: Chris Trotman/Getty Images for USTA

In each of the past two years, Federer has lost to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, failing to convert two match points on each occasion.

The Swiss said tough losses at the French Open and Wimbledon may have knocked his usually supreme confidence.

"Maybe I did come into the U. S. Open with a few losses that already maybe shook me up a little bit," he said.

"But I knew at the U. S. Open I usually play so, so well, and then everything went great.

"I had a great campaign into the semis and two sets to love up, match points as well. It was just not meant to be."

Happy with the progress so far

Image: Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Taylor McKnight, Kim Clijsters and Andy Roddick attend 2012 Arthur Ashe Kids' day
Photographs: Donna Ward/Getty Images

His victory over Andy Murray at Wimbledon last month gave him a record 17th Grand Slam title.

Murray gained a measure of revenge by beating him to win the Olympic title but having regained the number one ranking from Djokovic, Federer believes he is in the form to win again.

"If you look back at the results I had the last, let's say two years, I was actually extremely close on many occasions to give myself chances to win Slams.

"I'm just happy how I'm playing. I already reached my goal for the year becoming world number one, getting Wimbledon again and getting a medal for Switzerland. It's been incredible.

"But I do have this one left for me this year where I really, really want to do well and I couldn't be more happy returning here as number one. It's super exciting."

'If I do play well I can win Grand Slams'

Image: Roger Federer attends 2012 Arthur Ashe Kids' day at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Photographs: Donna Ward/Getty Images

With his 31st birthday behind him, Federer knows that every missed opportunity is seen as a sign that his best years are gone.

But Federer said he was used to seeing both the highs and the lows in more perspective.

"Right now I know obviously people think I can win every Grand Slam that comes up and if I don't win the U.S. Open, I will never win one again. It's always the same story.

"I'm just happy I was able to get Wimbledon. It just shows what I knew; that if I do play well I can win Grand Slams."

Tags: Federer
Source: REUTERS
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