|
Friday December 31, 2004
Federer aims even higher
By AAP
Roger Federer won 11 singles titles in 2004, including three of the four Grand Slam events. But the Swiss ace still set himself a lofty goal for the coming year.
"I want to repeat or better my performances of 2004 in the new season," Federer said. "If
I perform well at the start of the new season, I will be able to retain
my top ranking, something that is very important to me now." The
first stop for the world No. 1 is the $US1 million ($A1.29 million)
Qatar Open, but he's already thinking about repeating at Wimbledon. "Wimbledon
is one Grand Slam which is very close to my heart," said Federer, who
won his first major at the All England Club in 2003. "Playing well on grass and winning the Grand Slam in London is what I want to do in 2005. "Before
I became a pro, I won the junior Wimbledon title in 1998 and after that
my desire to become a champion in London turned into a major career
ambition," added Federer, who will be seeking his third straight title
in July. But to get the season started on a positive note, Federer is hoping to improve on his quarterfinal place in Doha last year. Last
year, "I found my rhythm very early on, something that helped me win
the Australian Open. After that there was no looking back as I won in
Dubai and Indian Wells before March," he said. "These wins set
the tone for the rest of the season. I hope I can make another fine
start by playing my best tennis here in Doha." Federer, who has won 14 consecutive finals, also said he plans to remain without a coach until he finds the right person. "Every
player knows his requirements on and off the field. I know mine, too.
Some players improve their game having their fathers to help them out,
some adjust well having a dependable physio or a supportive girlfriend.
In my case, my physio and girlfriend were the ones of immense help to
me throughout 2004. "If I find somebody who can analyse my game properly, then I wouldn't mind hiring a coach in the near future," Federer said. "However, I may not go for a full-time coach."
Federer had words of praise for Andre Agassi, an eight-time major winner who's 34.
"He may not be as young as many of us, but I know from my matches against him that he remains a major threat on a tennis court," Federer said. "I am looking forward to playing him again."
|
