
Starting this season by winning his 20th grand slam title before returning back to No.1 in the world, a determined Roger Federer still feels that he has more to prove on the tour.
The Swiss 36-year-old is currently undefeated this season after winning both the Rotterdam and Australian Open titles. As a result of his run, he is back at the top of the ATP Emirates rankings for the first time since 2012 as the oldest No.1 player of all-time. Some may expect expected him to contempt with his current form, but Federer is still striving for improvement as he copes with the pressure placed on the shoulders of him and other players.
“You always have. As much as I like to tell you ‘it doesn’t matter how I play here’ I didn’t come here to lose first round two and two,” Federer told reporters in Indian Wells.
“As little pressure as there seems to be, there is always pressure on the top guys.
“You are always the centre of attention and expectations are there.
“I am definitely in a good place. I also feel that I have less to prove today than in the past, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want it badly. I need to have that drive to be successful.”
Pressure may be a frequent topic for Federer and his campaign at the BNP Paribas Open. As the defending champion, he is required to reach at least the semifinals in order to maintain his top ranking. If he fails to do so, injury-stricken Rafael Nadal will dethrone him.
Reflecting on his journey back to the top, Federer believes his most recent achievement is different to those of the past. During his career, the Swiss player has spent over 300 weeks as world No.1 during four separate periods.
“The feeling of getting back to No 1 is deeper and gratifying because when you are old you know how much work you put into it,” he explains.
“In 2004 when I finally got to No 1 it was a relief because I had blew my chance earlier in Montreal when I lost to (Andy) Roddick. I thought, Oh man, hopefully I get to number one in the world one day.
“When I finally got it, I just felt like I’d probably deserved it. I had played a lot.”
Since returning from injury at the start of 2016, Federer has won nine titles, including three at grand slam level. He will start his Indian Wells campaign on Saturday against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis. A player who he hasn’t faced since the 2013 Hamburg Open.