Federer still believes in himself; but back sore and unsure of new racket

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 30th July 2013

Federer still believes in himself; but back sore and unsure of new racket

epa03794468 Switzerland's Roger Federer throws the ball during the semifinal match against Argentina's Delbonis at the 2013 International German Open at Am Rothenbaum in Hamburg, Germany, 20 July 2013. EPA/AXEL HEIMKEN |

Former No. 1 Roger Federer is frustrated with his level of play, but he hit back at those who say that his time as a major contender is over. Federer has only won one medium sized title this year, Halle, and recently took early round losses against Federico DelBonis In Hamburg and Daniel Brands at the Swiss Open.

“I have no problem with criticism, but I expect us to be honest,” the 31-year-old said. “This situation is not new for me. In 2009 and 2010 already, people said: ‘He’s won everything, now it’s finished.’ The more people that made that comment, the more likely that someone will be talking nonsense.”

While Federer may believe it’s nonsense, he has also admitted that results wise this is his worst year since 2002, which was before he won his first major at Wimbledon. But the Swiss, who has said he want to come to the 2016 Rio Olympics, says has no plans to stop.

“If I got to the point where I’d had enough of the travel and training then I would ask serious questions,” he said.” But that’s not the case now. There comes a time when the ranking is not so important. Quite honestly, I don’t even know exactly what my current ranking. 4th? 5th? 3rd? It doesn’t matter to me so much.”

However, he may end up skipping the Montreal Masters if his back doesn’t feel better. Federer says he has been dealing with back spasms in recent weeks.

“I’ve had serious problems with the back, I had to get some anti-inflammatories last week in Hamburg due to the pain,” he said. “I will have to do a lot of exercises and see how it all feels. My main priority now is to fix my back. I would love to be able to train at 100 percent. I’ll have to see if the rehab is enough to let me play in Montreal. If it is, I’ll go; if not, then it gives me another week.”

Moreover, Federer, who has been trying out a 98-inch Wilson prototype racket, said he couldn’t tell whether the switch has worked. Daily Tennis has learned that Federer is not playing with 98 square inch Wilson Blade, which has been rumored.

“A change like this is very important but I honestly can’t tell right now due to my low level. It’s hard to analyze anything,” he said. “I still don’t have even enough information to try and explain. I have no clue where I am right now with the racquet change.”

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Alceep says:

July 30, 2013 at 9:26 am

RT @10sBalls_com: Federer still believes in himself; but back sore and unsure of new racket: Former No. 1 Roger Federer i… http://t.co/LF…