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| January 11, 2006 | Wednesday | Zilhaj 10, 1426 |
Federer in devastating form for Australian Open
MELBOURNE, Jan 10: Flawless Roger Federer laid down a quiet challenge to his tennis rivals Tuesday, confirming that his form is starting to peak with less than a week to go before Monday’s start of the Australian Open.
Switzerland’s tennis titan heads the field at the eight-man Kooyong Classic starting Wednesday, where the world’s elite are guaranteed three round-robin matches by way of a Grand Slam tuneup.
The world number one, who lifted his first title of 2006 in a sizzling start last week in Doha by beating fellow Kooyong participant Gael Monfils, said the foot injury which bothered him in the autumn is now a mere memory.
“I have to keep improving my game,” said the three-time Wimbledon winner, who lost to Marat Safin last year in the Melbourne semi-finals.
“There is no problem for me to stay motivated, even after the seasons I’ve had. I’m still hungry for wins.
“Once you arrive on the big stage, you don’t have a problem getting motivated. You don’t have to set the bar higher - it’s always tough just to maintain your level.”
Federer will open play Wednesday at the historic Kooyong club against German Tommy Haas, now minus his trademark ponytail and determined to put several seasons of injuries behind him.
The remainder of the opening-day programme includes world number three Andy Roddick facing France’s young gun Monfils, plus Croatian Davis Cup winner Ivan Ljubicic taking on the eighth-ranked Guillermo Coria and Masters Cup champion David Nalbandian of Argentina against Germany’s Nicolas Kiefer.
Missing from what would have been a ninth appearance at the VIP warmup is Andre Agassi. The four-time Australian Open winner is still suffering with an autumn ankle injury.
For Federer, the 35-year-old maestro’s absence is lamentable - but a part of tennis reality.
“It’s a pity, he’s had unbelievable results in Australia,” said Federer. “Everywhere he plays, he’s a huge candidate to win.
“If he’s not here, it means that he doesn’t feel like he has a shot to win the tournament. I always enjoy playing him for what he’s done for tennis.
“It’s always special to face him.”
Federer said that getting over his foot injury became more of a struggle than heading into last year’s 2005 season with the remnants of a small thigh muscle tear.
“This ankle was more serious. I felt better coming in last year. But after winning Doha, I feel good. I’m hitting the ball well.”
Federer spent his Christmas holiday training in Sydney with mentor Tony Roche.
The closed door sessions on Roche’s backyard court laid the groundwork for what Federer hopes will be another standout season of dominance.
“I got used to the heat and we worked on everything, focussed on all strokes. It was nothing special but it helped me get ready for the season.
“It was nice to be in the Australian summer instead of zero degrees in Switzerland.
“Last year I spent Christmas on a plane, this year it was New Year’s eve - I guess it’s getting better.”—AFP
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