In a recent interview with Noz.de Roger Federer talked about his motivation and goals for the 2016 season. This year is an Olympic year and despite dominating tennis for almost a decade, the Swiss has never won a gold medal in singles at the Olympic Games. Federer won gold in doubles with Wawrinka in 2008 in Beijing, but he has ”only” gone as far as winning a silver medal in singles, when he was beaten in the final at Wimbledon at the 2012 London Olympics.
Clearly the a gold medal in singles at the Olympics will be a goal for Federer in 2016, but the Swiss admitted that winning a Grand Slam is still a priority for him, just like for any other tennis player. ”Grand Slams are priority for us, that’s sure, but the Olympics can also get very disappointing if you don’t win. If you lose a Grand Slam final you can always say you will try the following year, whereas for the Olympics you will have to wait four” said the former World No.1.
If Federer had to choose a Grand Slam to win he would still go for Wimbledon, where he seeks a record 8th title.
Speaking of the clay season and his two bigger rivals, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, the 17-time Grand Slam champion praised both and had special words for the Spaniard.
”I am a big fan of Rafael Nadal, because he is the toughest opponent I had to face on a court. I have maximum respect for him. I would be the last to think he is not going to win any more, I know how good he is” said the Swiss.
