Federer To Relax Before Preparing For South American Exhibition Tour

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 13th November 2012

Federer To Relax Before Preparing For South American Exhibition Tour

epa03467610 Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after beating Britain's Andy Murray in their semi final match of the ATP World Tour tennis finals in London, Britain, 11 November 2012. EPA/ANDY RAIN |

Roger Federer is keen for a post-season holiday fortnight before embarking upon one of the few experiences still left to him in tennis as he plays an exhibition series in South America prior to the start of the 2013 season after losing to Novak Djokovic for the title at the World Tour Finals.

But while disappointed at not winning a seventh trophy this season as well as a record seventh at the season wrap-up in London, the 31-year-old has big plans for the coming months, starting with his exhibition series in Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.

Federer says that the new, longer ATP off-season allows players the luxury of choice as to how they spend it – and he plans to use a week or so for a visit to a part of the world where he has never been.

“I know I’m playing exhibitions, but I think my situation is pretty unique. I’ve never been to South America as a professional tennis player,” said the 31-year-old. “I couldn’t be more excited right now for that trip. “But I made sure I have a two-week vacation before that and the preparation for South America .”

Federer said that the countdown starts almost immediately for 2013. “For me this (trip) is the beginning of the build-up and the workouts. And on top of it, it’s a lot of fun.

“Plus I’m not playing any exhibitions after that, like I have in the past. I’m not playing the first week of the year either. I’ve given myself enough space. It’s about just making sure you manage your schedule correctly.”