Roger Federer: I’m Happy With How I Am Feeling

Roger Federer put any back concerns to the side today. Speaking at the US Open, Federer, who also participated in Kids’ Day on court activities, Federer said he’s been feeling better and now playing sets.

“So the first week was really just, you know, trying to feel better, get better, get back on the court at some
stage,” Federer said of his timetable after the injury two weeks ago. “I have been on the practice courts since last week. There you have it.

“I have been playing sets the last few days, and I’m really happy how I’m feeling, you know, few days out of
the first round here now.”

Federer is slated to meet Rafael Nadal in the semifinals a week from Friday. The two have never played in New York.

“I’d love to play Rafa here in New York,” Federer said. “Hopefully it will be a night session. Hopefully that would be a great atmosphere and one again where we play great like at the Australian Open.”

But first for Federer Tuesday night is a battle with American Frances Tiafoe. Federer beat the teen in Miami this year.

“I think it’s an interesting first round, you know,” Federer said. “Clearly he has nothing to lose but everything to gain. It’s a tough one, plus like you said, he’s playing well, you know. He’s aggressive baseliner like so many of the Americans. Thankfully I played him in Miami this year so I have a little bit of an idea of how he plays, and his patterns and what he prefers to do and whatnot.”

Federer is a 5-time US Open champion and he’s won all 14 matches this year in Grand Slam play. He’s also chasing Nadal for the No. 1 ranking, so it’s a huge event for the 36-year-old who’s trying to become the oldest US Open champion.