Roger Federer on the record mark - "This is my bread-and-butter job"
Roger Federer has held court again in Dubai after his 100th career title. And, as so often, explains itself in detail on some questions of tennis life.
by Jörg Allmeroth
last edit: Mar 03, 2019, 12:58 pm
Roger Federer on the meaning of the 100th title: “It gives me a feeling of deep satisfaction, it is a great satisfaction, it is a great moment. I am proud and a little touched that I made this brand. It really wasn't a matter of course. To still be able to win titles at 37, to be able to face the challenge against top players from a completely different generation, that's fantastic. ”
Federer about the record: “Of course I speculated on this title, the number 100. It is quite good that I made it to a tournament on the regular tour. Because this is my bread-and-butter job, everyday work - and it is not appreciated enough. Everyone talks about the slams non-stop, but most of the time we play in our circuit. In the past few years, I particularly enjoyed going to the somewhat smaller tournaments because I was very close to the fans.
Constance is the magic word
Federer about his competitiveness at the age of 37: “Just as number one in the world rankings shows you that you have played well for over a year, these 100 titles prove a fairly constant course throughout your career. How else would you get this number? Constance is the magic word for everyone in this business, everyone wants constancy. Because it's so comforting for your professional life. In recent years there has been more and more work, more and more planning, more and more teamwork behind the success. I have also continued to develop, I was curious about other opinions and ideas. I believe that you can pass this on to every young player: to always be open, not to isolate yourself too much in your own world.
Federer about exceptional titles in his career: “Of course I remember the first victory in Milan on February 4, 2001. It was a relief from the doubts I had then. Many people thought that Federer would never win anything. Until I was unsettled myself. I also lost the first two finals, so the final against Julien Boutter came at just the right moment. Another breakthrough was the victory in Hamburg against Marat Safin, after which I was in the top ten for the first time.
Wimbledon is the place that defined Federer's career
Federer about special places on the regular tennis tour: “Of course Basel is at the forefront, that's my home. It reflects all the craziness that I sometimes feel about my career: I was a ball boy there, I admired the stars. And now I've won the tournament nine times. The ninth victory at home was also the 99th victory, since then the number one hundred has been in constant discussion. Halle and Dubai are also special because I just like to play there, because they are tournaments with their own flair, and because I was regularly successful there.
Federer on the Grand Slam milestones: “2003 was a special year. The early end of the French Open, again a lot of criticism of Federer, who supposedly would never make it on the big stage. And then Wimbledon, the first top success, in the place that has such incredible importance that also defined my career. From that moment on, a lot has changed in my career, especially the way I look at myself. I went out to the Center Court with a different self-esteem, all the more because I was able to confirm these successes quickly.