20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer believes he is in a good shape heading into his first ATP Tour tournament since his quarter-final loss at the US Open.
Federer is seeded second in this week’s Shanghai Masters behind Novak Djokovic. He is a two-time champion of the Masters 1000 event with his last triumph occurring two years ago in 2017. He is one of only three players to have won Shanghai on multiple occasions. After Djokovic (four) and Andy Murray (three).
“It’s a fast court, so I think it suits my game very well.” Federer said during an interview with atptour.com. “But of course, when it’s fast, you gotta be careful and sharp, especially in best-of-three (matches). The weather has been good, practice is going well and I have been keeping myself busy. I’m ready to go.”
One of the questions concerning the Swiss player in recent months is his back. Something that hampered his progress during the final grand slam of this season. During his match with Grigor Dimitrov, he received a medical timeout for treatment concerning his upper back in the decider before losing. During his post-match press conference, the 20-time grand slam champion said the problem is intermittent.
However, it appears the those woes ended a couple weeks ago at the Laver Cup. The 38-year-old moved freely around the court throughout the three-day event, where Europe successfully defended their title. The hope for Federer now is that he will be able to continue that momentum.
“Sometimes I get a stiff back as the season gets longer and the longer I play on the hard courts, the colder the weather gets, that can be an issue too.” He explained.
“I must say I feel great with my back. I can fully serve, which is required on a fast hard court.”
Seeking his 29th Masters 1000 title, Federer believes the key to success will be finding the right balance. He has won 45 matches on the ATP Tour so far this season. The joint-third highest along with rival Djokovic.
“I want to be explosive and energetic like I was in the Laver Cup. Not subdued like the US Open where I had my back issue. I just gotta manage it the right way in Shanghai.”
Federer’s first test in Shanghai will be Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas, who defeated Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-4, in his opening match. Ramos-Vinolas had previously defeated the former world No.1 at the same tournament back in 2015.
The showdown between the two will take place on Tuesday.
