Draw Analysis: Federer's Tough Test At Australian Open
11 January 2018 09:03
If Roger Federer is to capture his sixth Australian Open crown, he’ll have to go through a minefield to clinch his 20th Grand Slam crown.
Having taken part in the Australian Open draw ceremony on Margaret Court Arena Thursday night, the Swiss superstar watched on as he realised he’d need to potentially beat a resurgent Juan Martin del Potro, six-time former champion Novak Djokovic or Alexander Zverev and 2014 titlist Stan Wawrinka if he is to reach his seventh final at the first major championship of the year.
Federer’s first task will be to prepare to meet Slovenian Aljaz Bedene in the first round.
Speaking during an on-court interview, Federer said, “It’s great to be back. I don’t normally like going to draws, as they freak me out. I only like to see the draw sheet and see who my first-round opponent is.”
Federer beat his great rival, 2009 champion Rafael Nadal, in last year’s final 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
“It was an amazing final for me and an amazing moment in my life,” said Federer. “I had a great four to six weeks of tennis training, and many months before that to get myself ready for the training. I thought physically I would be ready, but my game and wins weren’t going to come.
“I was thinking perhaps I might get to the quarter-finals, semi-finals at best, then run into a red-hot Djokovic, Nadal or Murray and my game wouldn’t be good enough for that day. But it was, ending with the epic match against Rafa. The fifth set was perhaps the best set I played. It was the highlight of my year, beating my Wimbledon win later in the year.”
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