In the Open Era, Roger Federer is one of the most successful players in US Open history. Although in recent years, the tournament has been nothing but a frustrating experience for the Swiss No.1.
Federer is one of three male players to have won the New York major five times since 1968. Along with Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors. His last triumph occurred back in 2008 with a straightforward three-set win over Andy Murray. Since then, he has only managed to reach the tournament final twice in eight attempts in 2009 and 2015.
The decade-long drought is one the 37-year-old is hoping to end. He will be seeded second in the draw behind nemesis Rafael Nadal. Heading into the major, the Swiss has stated that he is more focused on the tournament than last year as he eyes a record 21st grand slam title. Last year he bowed out in the quarter-finals to Juan Martin del Potro.
“It’s even a bigger priority this year, the US Open, than it has been last year,” ATP quoted Federer as telling reporters on Friday in New York.
“Not that it wasn’t last year, but Wimbledon was key for me. That was where I wasn’t well the year before that, so last year we wanted to be ready for Wimbledon. Even skipped the French for that.”
Federer’s preparation for Flushing Meadows has seen him play in only one North American hard court tournament this summer. He opted to skip the Rogers Cup to rest his body. At the Cincinnati Open he reached the final before being comprehensively beaten by a rejuvenated Novak Djokovic. Djokovic has reached the final in three out of his last four tournaments.
There is a chance that the two players could once again clash in New York. Second seed Federer is projected to play sixth seed Djokovic in the quarter-finals. It is a prospect that many fans are hoping to see. Although Federer is eager to play down it’s significance.
“You just take it on your chin,” Federer said about the potential meeting.
“Sure, you sometimes wonder is it easier to play guys with not such a resume like a Novak so early in the tournament?”
“But because he won Cincinnati, I could have also played Novak in the fourth round if he wouldn’t have made a move in the rankings. So I think we are all happier that he’s higher ranked so we don’t have to face him already in the first round.”
The route to the last eight of the tournament may not be plain-sailing for the 20-time grand slam champion. In his section, he could play Nick Kyrgios in the third round followed by Fabio Fognini. Both of whom are unpredictable players that have the potential of causing a big upset should they play their best tennis.
Federer will start his US Open campaign against Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka.
