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January 18, 2004
Federer gunning for gold
By Eurosport
The realisation of being one big win away from attaining the world number one singles ranking doesn't faze Roger Federer, the Wimbledon champion who finished the year with a tour-high seven singles titles to his name. In an exclusive interview with Eurosport, the Swiss star reveals his goals for 2004 and what the past six months have really been like.
From the moment emotions overwhelmed the 22-year-old on Centre Court, on Sunday 8th July 2003, his life changed forever.
"I had dreamed of being the number one player in the world, but to have the Wimbledon trophy in my hands for the first time was brilliant."
Afterwards, the phone just did not stop ringing.
Federer's girlfriend, Mirka Vavrinec – a former women's tour player – understood why there was all the attention.
But, soon the pair realised when and when not to pick up the phone.
"It wasn't always easy to sit and have a nice meal together.
"[Eventually] we had to say: 'sorry, this is our private time together now.'"
Later, following his success in November's Masters Cup in Houston, the Basel-born right-hander didn't want the season to end.
"It was a pity that the season was over, but on the other hand it was good because I needed a holiday."
"Only [Rainer] Schuettler played more games than me in 2003."
Federer contested 121 singles and doubles matches last year, compared to a whopping 136 played by the German world number six.
"The break was necessary because otherwise it would have been impossible to start off well in 2004," Federer continued.
CLOSE-SEASON DECISION
Before heading off for two and a half weeks of relaxation, Federer took the big decision of splitting with his coach, a former pro, Peter Lundgren.
The news came as a shock to the tennis world, but the world number two had been thinking the decision through for "more than two months."
"It was a really hard decision, because we have known each other for such long-time and are really good friends.
"[But] when I told him, he was really sad, but he understood the decision because we had talked about it before."
So the pair parted on mutual terms.
TO TRAIN OR NOT TO TRAIN
With a sack-full of invitations to award ceremonies and corporate events, plus the decision to move in with Mirka, a week before the Christmas festivities, the Swiss star found it difficult to keep his body in synch.
"For 20 days I was unable to sleep. Instead of waking up at my normal time of 9 or 10am, I rose at 8!"
By practising early in the morning with fitness coach Pierre Paganini, Federer was able to spend more time with his family.
"Max Mirnyi also came over for one week of practice. So there really were no problems in organising substantial training periods."
By contrast, the daily sessions were very different to the times he spent with his first coach Peter Carter, as a 16 or 17-year-old.
"When I was younger I was unable to control my nerves. My coach never allowed me to practice for more than one hour at a time."
"Because I was always throwing my rackets and swearing."
"But then I started to conquer the bad habits during practice, and step by step I was able to practise more and more."
"I can do two-and-a-half hours now!
"Today, I look a quiet player on court, but believe me, that is not the way I am."
AMBITIONS FOR 2004
While the Olympic Games in Athens remain high on Federer's agenda, "there are also the Swiss tournaments and four Grand Slam championships, which are big priorities for me."
"To be the number one player in the world is always at the back of my mind but it doesn't control me."
"I don't want to overly pursue it as it's not the main goal for me in 2004."
First up however is the chance to improve upon his best showing at the Australian Open – two fourth round appearances in 2002 and 2003.
"The atmosphere in Melbourne is more relaxed."
"Firstly the weather is great, the fans are brilliant and they understand a lot about the sport. Even in the small towns there are many tennis fanatics, but they are so polite and that is why I really have fun playing there."
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