Roger Federer Is Taking The Long View

Written by: Staff on 13th January 2013

Roger Federer Is Taking The Long View

epa03534554 Roger Federer of Switzerland during training on day one of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 14 January 2013. EPA/JULIAN SMITH AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

At the age of 31, Roger Federer is taking the long view these days. He decided not to play any Australian Open warm-up tournaments, instead relaxing with his family, focusing on fitness and the little things he needs to improve that will make him a better player.

Last year, he achieved two major goals: winning another Wimbledon title and getting back to No. 1. So now the 17-time Grand Slam champion has reset his goals.

“This year it’s maybe more of a transition year for me, making sure I practice enough, I rest enough, to look at the longevity aspect, the tournaments I enter, that I’m in full force,” said Federer who will not be playing the 2013 Miami tournament. “That’s really what counts for me. So every tournament I play, I want to put myself in the position to win it. I know I won’t win all the tournaments I’ll enter, but it’s important that I enjoy it and I try as hard as I can and put myself deep in the tournaments like I did last year. I had very few early losses last year, and I hope I can keep up that good streak I have going.”

Federer, who is president of the ATP Players Council, also said that while there are major things tennis can do to improve, it does not need wholesale changes.

“ We try to do some subtle changes, I guess, then we do that are more extreme,” he said. “I think tennis is seen in a very good way right now from fans and media alike, which is great. So it seems like it’s a great experience for the fans to come see the sport. It’s not just a good live TV sport, but it’s also especially great coming to the grounds and seeing it live. The athleticism, just the whole energy that builds around a big match, night sessions, day sessions, the activity around the sites, always seem as good thing to do. That’s good. Then obviously you always have to think ahead for all the Slams, the whole ATP Tour, you want to make sure that the game is as good if not obviously better, that’s what you have to aim for anyways five or 10 years from now.”

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Australian Open 2013, Australian tennis news, Federer, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis News