It has been a month since Roger Federer played Novak Djokovic in his 27th Grand Slam final. The swiss lost in four sets as the world No.1 claimed his 10th Grand Slam title, 7 adrift from Federer’s record. The return of Federer is always a boost to the tour and he appears even more thirsty for success.
During a recent interview with Shanghai magazine, That’s Mag, Federer appears more motivated and passionate about the sport than ever before.
“I don’t live in the past, I don’t dwell on it,” he said.
“I still have plenty of goals moving forward. I love being on the court, travelling the world with my family, playing tournaments. I think it’s wonderful that I can still do that at my age.”
Despite being 34, the world No.3 currently has an impressive win-loss of 53-8 this year. So far in 2015 he has won five ATP titles in four continents and reached the final at two Grand Slam tournaments (Wimbledon and the US Open).
One of Federer’s biggest problems is Novak Djokovic, a player he has played six times this year. The 34-year-old has won two out of their six encounters (Dubai and Cincinnati). This week they could meet each other again if both men reach the final of the Shanghai Rolex Masters. Talking about his on tour nemesis, Federer has expressed his desire to dethrone Djokovic and return to the top of the rankings.
“I don’t talk about it but of course I’d like to have another opportunity to become world number one,” he told That’s magazine.
“I was able to beat him (Djokovic) twice this year, and last year in Shanghai too. I know I’d have to beat him in every tournament to actually have a real shot at claiming the title back, and that is quite hard as he plays so well. But the thought is there.”
The fighting spirit displayed by the Swiss is one to be admired and is a great example for all the rising stars on the WTA and ATP tours. Federer recently said ‘I have never fallen out of love with tennis’ which is becoming more evident. As long as the love remains there, Federer will remain a mighty force on the tour, trying to break more records until he decides that enough is enough.
The Swiss will return to action this week at the Shanghai Rolex Masters where he is the defending champion. Last year he beat Djokovic in the semifinals and Gilles Simon in the final to claim his 23rd Masters title.
