Boris Becker - Roger Federer not a favorite at the French Open
Roger Federer will start the French Open in Paris on Sunday with only three matches played in 2021. The expectations of the 2009 winner will not be too high, says Eurosport expert Boris Becker .
by SID
last edit:
May 26, 2021, 08:02 am
Germany's tennis idol Boris Becker thinks it's absolutely right that Grand Slam record champion Roger Federer is lowering expectations before the French Open. "It's honest. He can't expect to be one of the favorites in Paris. He was injured too long and didn't play for too long," said Eurosport expert Becker on Tuesday. The 39-year-old Federer had emphasized that the French Open, which began on Sunday, should only be seen as a preparatory tournament for the lawn season.
At the Grand Slam level, the Swiss competed in his last match so far at the Australian Open in early 2020. This was followed by two knee operations and a break of over a year. Since then, Federer has only played three matches, most recently losing in his first appearance on clay in Geneva right at the start. His main goal is Wimbledon (from June 28), where he is the record winner with eight titles.
"He has to approach his top form, that can only be done through matches," said Becker: "You don't get better in training. His goal is to win another Grand Slam tournament. I think he has at Wimbledon he has the best chances. And for that he has to play Paris. I hope that he will be in his second week in Paris. "