‘I don’t think I could go past Novak Djokovic,’ Roger Federer admits he can’t beat the World No.1 in Paris


‘I don’t think I could go past Novak Djokovic,’ Roger Federer admits he can’t beat the World No.1 in Paris

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

Roger Federer made his return to the Parisian Clay after 2 years and has won his opening round matches in style. The Swiss Maestro defeated old foes, Denis Istomin and Marin Cilic in the initial rounds. In doing so, he has dropped just a set and is looking in good shape to go deep.

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After his second round win, Federer was asked to compare his two matches. He said that Istomin in the first round didn’t have enough to challenge him but the win against Cilic was difficult and would give him a lot of confidence.

He said: “I’m very happy. I think the first round was on the easier side, I didn’t think Istomin had enough to to worry me there and with my experience and ability to hit drop shots and angles and stuff like that I was able to to understand what I needed to do. Today was different, Marin[Cilic] we know has got the big game and you just don’t know how long is he able to maintain that how long am I able to maintain my level.”

‘My mind starts when the Grass court season comes around’: Roger Federer

Roger Federer
Roger Federer

Looking forward, Federer was also asked about his current state of mind and how he sees the Clay stinct as a preparation for the all important Grass season. Federer was brutally honest in saying that he believes that his actual season starts with the Grass stinct.

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Federer spoke: “My preparation in coming back my season really in my mind starts when the grass court season comes around. I can’t believe I’m saying this sitting here in Paris looking at the Chatrier court but this is how it is.”

The eighth seed is drawn alongwith Novak Djokovic and the duo could potentially face in the quarterfinal. Speaking about that, Federer said that he doesn’t think he could beat the World No.1 in Paris.

“I still do believe there’s no way I’m gonna go really really super deep here or go past the Novak[Djokovic] section and all that stuff anyhow. I got my work cut out in the next round and so forth so I’m really really focused on just my next round,” he said.

Also read: ‘Worried that Naomi Osaka could walk away from tennis like Bjorn Borg did’: John McEnroe

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