Federer Claims Any Back Discomfort is Not a Big Thing

Written by: Staff on 3rd July 2012

Federer Claims Any Back Discomfort is Not a Big Thing

epa03292529 Roger Federer of Switzerland returns to Xavier Malisse of Belgium during their fourth round match for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 02 July 2012. EPA/JONATHAN BRADY |

Roger Federer says he’s not alarmed by minor back pain which required treatment as the six-time champion raced into the Wimbledon quarter-finals. After beating Xavier Malisse 7-6 (7-1), 6-1, 4-6, 6-3, the 30-year-old said he’s got the fitness situation under control.

“I felt the back going in the first round and I played on it maybe three, four games,” said the Swiss third seed, who then asked for the trainer and got a break (and treatment) when the match was paused for drizzle.

The remarkably fit 30-year-old, who reached a record 33rd straight Grand Slam quarter-final with his win, cited recent circumstances for the problem which he said was not a huge concern. “It must be a mix of the five-setter (previous round over Julien Benneteau) and the two days off and the cold wind. I guess it was unlucky in this regard. Fortunately I pulled out the match the way I did today.”

Federer added: “Honestly I’m not too worried. I’ve had bad backs over the years. I’ve been around. They go as quick as they came.

“Of course I have to keep an eye on it now. I have one and a half days, which is a lot of time, to be quite honest, to work with. Two good night’s sleeps and I’ll be 100 percent on Wednesday. I’m pretty convinced, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to pull out the match the way I did today.”

Topics: Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis News, Wimbledon 2012, Xavier Malisse