ATP Shanghai: Roger Federer in search of balance
Roger Federer competes in Shanghai for the first official tournament since the US Open. For the Swiss, the ATP Masters 1000 event will be all about finding the right balance.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Oct 08, 2019, 07:43 am
Roger Federer flies the hearts of fans almost everywhere in the world. In Asia, however, the hype surrounding the Maestro is a whole lot bigger than in other parts of the world - the Swiss in Shanghai, for example, need 15 bodyguards to reach the training courses.
Federer deals with the hype about his person calmly: "Of course you are sometimes a bit more tired than on other days. Nevertheless, as a role model for the young generation I try to set a good example and to fulfill the wishes of the fans. It means every individual like that a lot since he may see you for the first time or may have traveled far to be close to you. "
Bad draw for Federer
In any case, the 38-year-old came to Shanghai primarily to show good tennis. For Federer, it is all about one thing: finding the right balance. Before the opening match, he doesn't want to train too much, but not too little either: "So that you start the tournament relaxed, but at the same time you've done enough," said the third in the world rankings at the press conference before the tournament.
After Rafael Nadal's cancellation, Federer took second place at the penultimate ATP 1000 event of the year. The draw did not mean the Swiss too well. David Goffin could wait in the third round, after which a duel with Alexander Zverev threatens. "The draw is tough, but I'm in a good mood," the 20-time major champion is cautiously optimistic.
Right at the start, Federer is waiting for a real assessment: The Swiss will not meet Albert Ramos-Vinolas on Tuesday before 12:30 CET, who took Marin Cilic out of the tournament in the first round. Interesting: The Spaniard won the last match against Federer so far - in 2015 the 31-year-old won in three sets in Shanghai of all places.
The Laver Cup makes Federer optimistic
But Federer feels ready for the revenge: The appearance at the Laver Cup gave him strength for the season's sprint after the disappointing quarter-finals at the US Open. After losing to Grigor Dimitrov in New York, he had to take a break for ten days because of a back injury, but felt "great" in Geneva.
"I feel very good and I'm happy with my current game," said Federer again in Shanghai. The traditionally fast conditions in the Chinese metropolis accommodate the 38-year-old, although he also sees a risk in it: "If you play safely, the opponent does what you should have done yourself." Despite this danger, the declared goal is the third tournament victory in Shanghai.