If anything, Roger Federer’s Wimbledon loss has only added fuel to the fire heading into this year’s US Open.
The 20-time grand slam champion crashed out in the quarter-finals of the grass-court major to Kevin Anderson. Failing to reach the last four of the tournament for the first since since 2013. It was a blip in what otherwise been a solid season for the Swiss player, who has won titles at the Australian Open, Rotterdam and Stuttgart.
“I feel good at practice. I feel like I’m in a good rhythm. Regardless if I win or I lose, I feel like I’m doing the right things. I couldn’t have worked harder in practice, on the practice court.” Federer told reporters on Tuesday.
“I couldn’t have done more in the gym. Didn’t have any setbacks. I’m only feeling better every day that has gone by after Wimbledon.”
Federer has returned back to winning ways at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati. In his opening match, he dismissed Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk 6-4, 6-4. A performance that saw him hit 24 winners to 20 unforced errors as well as saving all five break points he faced.
“I felt good in that first match. To be honest, walking out, (there was) hardly any nerves. I think I knew what I wanted to do, what I had to do. My game plan was very Simple.” Said Federer, who last played in the tournament back in 2015.
“It is a great pleasure to be back. I enjoy playing here because of my success, even more so, but I have always enjoyed coming here to Cincinnati, and now we do it as a family.”
At the age of 37, Federer is the oldest player currently ranked in the world’s top 100 on the ATP World Tour. Nevertheless, the Swiss veteran remains one of the favourites for the US Open title later this month. Even though it has been 10 years since he last won the New York major. Federer is hoping his week in Cincinnati will help tune up his game ahead of his 18th main draw appearance in the tournament.
“The goal is now to recover from this match, take the positives with me, and it’s just nice to have sort of a day and a half where you can prepare for the next one.” Federer explained following his win over Gojowczyk.
“Then of course the big goal is the US Open. That’s got to be the goal now after not having perfect situations over the last couple of years there.”
Seeking a record eighth title this week in Cincinnati, Federer will take on Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer in the next round.
