Roger Federer is the favourite at his home tournament in Basel and feels ready for the title.
After the Masters-Coup in Shanghai, the next tournament victory will follow. Sure, because the tournament in Basel is for Federer like the living room at home. And where it doesn’t win best than on familiar terrain.
Before starting in Switzerland, the 36-year-old presented himself to the journalists with questions and set a clear goal:”I am in good shape, I feel ready. I’m happy where I am now,”explained the Swiss in Basel.
The fact that the good form of the “Maestro” is rather frighteningly strong was seen at the Masters in China. With an almost flawless game, he swept Rafael Nadal off the pitch in the final.
In his hometown “FedEx” will have to deal with the US-American and NextGen star Frances Tiafoe – an unpleasant lottery ticket. However, if Federer is really as fit as he feels, his opening opponent will not be a stumbling block for the record champion. Speaking of record: It could be the eighth triumph for Federer in the St. Gallen. Jacob’s Hall.
In order to be optimally prepared for the start of the tournament, the top seed took a break after the trip to China and started last Thursday with the fitness program, admitted Federer.
The 36-year-old knows exactly how the matches are played in Basel:”We’re not in the phase of five-set matches now. That means short rallies and getting to the goal as fast as possible. Especially in the hall the margin is small,”added Federer.
According to some information, Federer is completely fit again for the fans who will be attending the opening match of the superstar in the Basel Arena. The back problems after the US Open retirement do not cause any more problems:”I didn’t wake up relaxed there. I must honestly say, I was glad when it was finished. So the body didn’t have to go down even more. It was okay that I lost in the quarter-finals,”Federer admitted.
The single panel in Basel