Roger Federer dominated the 2017 tennis season. The Swiss legend won seven titles including two Grand Slams and three Masters 1000 titles, in a year that was only bettered by close friend and rival Rafael Nadal.
Yet the veteran is on guard for a competitive 2018, season and expects rivals to push himself and Nadal: “I expect obviously from the likes who have been extremely high up in the rankings, who have won slams, like Stan, Andy and Novak, of course I expect greatness from them,” said Federer.
Federer reflected on his extended break in 2016, and discussed how rivals, including the likes of Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic might produce similarly outstanding campaigns when they return. Federer: “When they return at some stage, not maybe from the very beginning. But I wouldn’t be surprised if it worked out for them as well like it worked out for me. And Rafa. You always got to expect a slow process. Then if it goes fast, that’s great. Look, we all had to take a time off. I didn’t choose to take the time off last year. You make me look like a genius sometimes. You take time off, you come back, you’re good again.”
The ATP World Tour was hit by a raft of injuries to end the season, with the likes of Murray, Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic, Nick Kyrgios, Tomas Berdych, and Gael Monfils all forced to end their seasons far earlier than they would have planned.
Video: Former World No.4 Kei Nishikori back on court after injury absence
