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Roger Federer met the press today in London ahead of his bid to win an 8th Wimbledon title. The Swiss is making his first appearance at a major since the Australian Open after ending his consecutive Slam streak at 65 when he missed the French Open last month. Federer now says the back which kept him out of Paris isn’t a worry.
“Look, this back has won me 88 titles, so I’m okay with that back. It’s okay if it messes around with me sometimes,” Federer said Saturday.
“It’s frustrating because it shakes the whole mechanics of the body, what you can work on. Yeah, maybe if it hits you in bad times, it’s not funny. I think particularly difficult has just been looking ahead of what was to come: Paris, Wimbledon, Olympics, US Open.”
And he said the extra time off missing the French could pay off on the grass.
“I think this is a huge boost for me after pulling out of Paris, that I’m back here at my favourite tournament,” Federer said. “With all the success I’ve had here, this is the motivation I need right now to get back on the big courts, play good matches and enjoy Wimbledon.”
Federer failed to win either grass warm-up, but he was pleased that he got match play in.
“Getting some confidence and some knowledge of where I was going to be in those seven matches in 10 days in Stuttgart and Halle,” he said. “I think that was crucial for me going into Wimbledon knowing I passed that test and that the body can take that amount of tennis.
“It’s really, really important for your mind to know you can manage the five‑setters. If you get a day off and all that stuff, it’s not a problem. All of a sudden you’re coming into Wimbledon with more confidence, more understanding where you’re at. Now we’ll see.”
Federer added that he thinks Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are the clear favorites to win at Wimbledon.
“They are the big favourites in my opinion,” Federer said of the Top 2. “They’ve had such a great last six months, last few years. To me they are the ones to beat.
“I need to focus on myself, getting myself into those positions, meaning second week, growing momentum, you know, the whole thing starts rolling then hopefully.”
Federer opens play Monday against lefty Guido Pella.
“I love this tournament more than anything. It’s a huge opportunity for me to maybe turn around the season. Who knows?”
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