Roger Federer has kept a low profile since losing the U.S. Open semi-final to Novak Djokovic back in early September but the former world no.1 was clearly in a confident mood as he stopped off in Hong Kong en route to China to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters 1000 series event.
Despite slipping to No.3 in the world rankings for the first time in nearly seven years, Federer is in the frame of mind to start winning the big titles again. “With a few minor adjustments I think I can really beat the best without a problem,” said the 29 year-old who has been usurped by Rafael Nadal winning the last three Grand Slam titles.
“Without being arrogant, I know I have the game and I’m playing really well right now. Obviously Rafa is a stronger player today than a few years ago but the same counts for me even though the ranking has slipped maybe a little bit,” he added.
Federer was appearing at a promotional event for Credit Suisse in his role as brand ambassador. As part of their partnership agreement with the former world no.1, Credit Suisse has committed a significant annual contribution to the player’s Roger Federer Foundation which is dedicated to helping disadvantaged children and to promoting education, sports and play, especially in Africa.
In turn Federer also took time to visit the Nesbitt Centre where students were attending a coaching session sponsored by Credit Suisse. The Nesbitt Centre is a non-profit organization that provides English-speaking programs for adults with intellectual disabilities in Hong Kong.
But Federer’s competitive mind is focused on Shanghai where he won back to back Tennis Masters Cup titles in 2006 and 2007. He did not play last year’s event when it became a member of the Masters Series and under ATP World Tour rules, is allowed to miss one Masters 1000 series event a year without penalty because he has played more than 600 career matches.
“I practiced extremely hard for the last three weeks,” said Federer. “I feel like I am ready to go for the next five.”
Topics: Atp World Tour, Confident Mood, Credit Suisse, Cup Titles, Disadvantaged Children, Early September, Frame Of Mind, Grand Slam Titles, Intellectual Disabilities, Masters Series, Minor Adjustments, Nesbitt, Non Profit Organization, Novak Djokovic, Partnership Agreement, Promoting Education, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Speaking Programs, Tennis Masters Cup