After dealing with an undisclosed hip injury during much of the clay season and still managing to win Madrid and place in the semi-finals in Rome before exiting in the final four at the French Open, Roger Federer said he is finally fit as the grass season begins.
The five-time champion Swiss is seeded second at the pre-Wimbledon event in Halle which has also attracted Rafael Nadal after tax issues in Britain drove him from the rival Queen’s club tournament.
Tour No. 3 Federer said he is feeling on form as he starts at the Gerry Weber Open after a bye. “I’m not too worried about this summer of tennis. In fact, I have not felt so fresh and relaxed in a long time. I’m right where I want to be.
“I’m worry-free, this could not come at a better time ahead of this really challenging schedule. It really is a good feeling because if you have an injury like that, then you carry it around with you constantly. It’s like when there is fog on the horizon and you just hope that it will eventually disappear.”
As for Nadal now holding 11 titles at the majors to the 16 of the Swiss, Federer he’s not worried by that either as he concentrates on his own form and grass game. “I don’t worry day and night that Rafa could catch up with me. He played a great tournament in Paris and proved that he is the dominating figure on clay.
“He was born to play on clay and be successful on it. But as far as this Grand Slam record is concerned, I’m sure even he is not thinking about that right now.”
Topics: 10sballs.com, Federer, Gerry Webber Open 2012, Queens Club Championships, Roger Federer, Swiss tennis news