Kicking off his comeback from injury with a grand slam title, Roger Federer is refusing to get ahead of himself as he returns to action in Dubai.
A month ago the Swiss player stunned the world when he won a record 18th grand slam title at the Australian Open in what was one of the finest achievements of his career. Participating in his first competitive tournament for six months, Federer defeated four top-10 players on route to the title.
Whilst the Melbourne trophy was the confidence boost Federer sought, he is not getting ahead of himself. This week he will return to action at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, an event he has won on seven previous occasions. Unlike grand slam tennis, the 35-year-old faces the prospect of playing tennis on back-to-back days in what will be the latest test of his physical ability after a torrid 2016. It is for this reason why he is unsure about what to expect.
“A little bit unknown. I hope we’re going to get into this problem, that I will have to play every day, that means I’m winning matches,” the world No.9 told Sport360.
“It’s going to take me some time, until probably April, to feel my best because then I would’ve played best-of-five matches in Australia, back-to-back matches in Dubai, maybe some in Indian Wells and Miami, and then after Miami I would really know where I’m at.
Federer describes his return to the tour as a ‘work in progress’ after being hindered by knee and back problems over the past 12 months. Still, there is a high degree of excitement surrounding the Swiss player and what he is capable of achieving this season. One of the most intriguing events for the 35-year-old this year will be his beloved Wimbledon Championships, where he will be chasing after a record eighth title.
“I think Wimbledon and the US Open I’ll always have chances as long as I’m playing and I’m healthy. I think the court suits me well there, speed and everything, it comes very natural.” He explained.
“But yeah, dare to dream, sure, why not? But again, I take it one at time. This one (the Australian Open) has been so amazing and I’m still riding the wave. But then clearly the goal will be eventually Wimbledon where I know this is where I’m going to have my best chance and where I hope to be at 100 per cent.”
At the Dubai Open, which is categorised as an ATP 500 tournament, Federer will start his campaign on Monday against France’s Benoit Paire. He is seeded third in the draw behind Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka.
