Roger Federer Looks Back 10 Years
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Following another easy win Thursday night over fellow 31-year-old Nikolay Davydenko, Roger Federer reflected on changes in the game and his style of player over the past 10 years.
“Obviously life on the tour has changed a lot personally for me and on the court as well,” Federer said. “I’m much more experienced today. I know what I can expect from myself in terms of my level of play early on.
“I’m much stronger today physically clearly so I can always rely on that as well, extend the rallies, don’t have to be worried about that. Whereas in the past people knew or thought if you go past two hours on clay against Federer, he’ll not get better from that point on, he’ll get weaker.”
Federer added that changes in the game have made his a better player.
“I would hope I’m a better player today,” he said. “But obviously things have changed around a lot: strings, racquets, court speed, opponents.
“Obviously, I came through in an era where I had to base my game against Sampras, Agassi, those kind of guys, and not the roadrunners. They came at the same time with me.
“Courts were faster then. It was more absorbing, the pace and creating something with it. Now it’s much different, much easier to find angles. So over time I had to adjust my game a little bit. I’m happy I was able to and find a way and be successful for a long period of time.”
Federer went on the say that he feels tennis is up to high you play and not your opponent.
“I’m a big believer in playing with your own strength instead of always focusing on just your opponent, what does he do good, what does he do bad. In a heartbeat you know exactly what your opponent can do. It’s just a matter of compressing it all together when it’s really important and then be confident in your own playing. At the end of the day, you have a lot to say as well out there.”
Federer will put those wits to the test again Saturday against the brash Bernard Tomic in the Australian Open third round.
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