Roger Federer before Australian Open: "My expectations are relatively low"
The Australian Open press area was very busy on Saturday. In addition to Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem , Roger Federer also answered journalists' questions. The Swiss spoke about the air conditions, the allegations of a Canadian qualifier and his expectations for the Australian Open.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jan 18, 2020, 10:24 pm
The first Grand Slam of the 2020 season starts on Monday. While most of the top stars were already honored at the ATP Cup, it was quite quiet about Roger Federer. The 20-time Grand Slam Champion is known to have skipped the team competition and was not previously at the Davis Cup final tournament in Madrid. Instead, the Swiss went on an extremely lucrative exhibition tour through South America with Alexander Zverev and then secretly prepared for the first Grand Slam of the year. His last official match was a long time ago and dates from November 16 when he lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-finals of the ATP finals.
Before the maestro is finally back on the court, the Swiss had to answer the journalists in the press area at the Australian Open - and was clearly amazed by the questions. “By the way, I'm playing against Steve Johnson. I thought that was why I was in Australia, ”Federer commented after the first questions. Because before it came to sports, you wanted to hear Federer's opinion about the air conditions in Melbourne.
Federer: "Communication is the most important thing"
“I don't really worry about air quality. I'm more worried about the people who are near the fire, the smoke, ”said Federer. The Swiss, however, have little doubt that the Australian Open will go well: “I believe that communication between the organizer, the players, the media and the fans is the most important thing. We have a limit of 200, at the Olympic Games it is 300. I think we will get through this and everything will be fine. ”Federer sees no need to move the tournament to another location.
The fact that little has been heard from Federer on this topic so far annoyed one player - the Kandadier Brayden Schnur . The qualifier left his displeasure free after his opening win over Sebastian Ofner: "Something has to come from the top players - Roger and Rafa are a bit selfish and only think about themselves and their careers," complained the 24-year-old and rowed during the day then back again. "My words were taken out of context. I would like to apologize to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. ”
The maestro can understand the frustration of the Canadian, because the calendar, the tour or the schedule is never perfect for everyone. However, he very well followed his role as a member of the players' council and made a strong commitment to the players: “I was with the organizers and said to them:“ Listen, I think communication is the key for all of us. We have to talk to each other more because I feel I haven't got enough information yet. "Can I go to the courts and say," Stop playing everyone? "I don't think that will do much. I could - I don't think - doing much more than I did. "
First round duel with Steve Johnson
This press conference should also be a bit about his first round duel with Steve Johnson: “It is a difficult situation. I'm playing against someone who has played a lot this week, who is ready to get started. He is ready to play, not yet. ”Federer himself was well prepared and also had enough time to rest. The Swiss is already looking forward to the match against the American: "He plays old school tennis - good forehand, good serve, backhand slice - I think it will be a great match for me."
Despite the good preparation, Federer does not go to the Australian Open with too high expectations: “I know it is a very long way to triumph, so I have to go from match to match. But my expectations are relatively low. ” A long way that will start for the Swiss on Monday in the early morning hours - it will also show for the first time how well the 38-year-old is in shape.
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