Roger Federer is not one of the top favourites for the title at the US Open in New York this year. An incentive for the Swiss, who starts the tournament with great ambitions.
“Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are the favourites this year,” Roger Federer explained a few days ago when the Swiss player was asked about his chances at the upcoming US Open.
The 37-year-old seems to have a point in his assessment. Nevertheless, the five-time New York winner gave up without a fight before the start of the tournament. The Swiss visited a shop of his new outfitter Uniqlo in New York and caused a lot of excitement. A huge crowd formed in the district of Manhatten on the famous 5th Avenue when Federer was a guest.
The superstar diligently wrote autographs and let himself be persuaded to one or two selfies. During the event Federer was also asked about the upcoming US Open. The 20-time Grand Slam champion surprised with a competitive declaration: “I just have to bring a lot of energy and then hopefully after ten years I can achieve something special again at the US Open”.
Ten years ago Federer won his last title at the US Open. Previously, Federer could not be defeated in the years 2004 to 2008 and mutated to the permanent winner in the “Big Apple”.
Looks like Federer has great ambitions to punish the trade press once again. After the final defeat in Toronto against Novak Djokovic, the press speculated whether this was the end of the Federe era. Indeed, the second in the world rankings didn’t look very fresh and his permanent rival clearly showed him the limits in the final (4:6, 4:6).
“I need to find out where my game is right now and get used to the new balls. That is simply something I must and will work on,” Federer continued. Nevertheless, he was satisfied with his current form, the Swiss added. Federer will play Yoshihito Nishioka from Japan.
Commenting on his collaboration with the Japanese clothing company, Federer said: “It just feels different. It’s not just about tennis clothes. I feel like I’m doing something for the masses – which is great. I couldn’t do that before.” At the beginning of the grass season, Federer surprised with Uniqlo as the supplier and announced that the long-term contract with Nike had not been extended. The Swiss man is to receive 300 million US dollars for the new deal.
Uniqlo creative designer John Jay told the Wall Street Journal why Uniqlo wanted Federer to be a new fashion face: “The collaboration continues beyond sport. Federer will stop playing tennis at some point, but not yet life. It’s not about Roger Federer, it’s about the person.”