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September 14, 2005
Federer feels for cricket's fallen idols
By Paul Malone, Herald Sun
CRICKET fan Roger Federer says there are lessons for him in the Ashes defeat of his favourite team, Australia.
Federer has an interest in cricket from his South African mother, Lynette.
The world No. 1 had Australian players, including Adam Gilchrist and
Glenn McGrath, as guests for his straight-sets Wimbledon final win this
year over Andy Roddick.
"They did lose? You're kidding. Oh shit," Federer said yesterday, the day after his US Open final win against Andre Agassi.
Federer said he understood how hard it was to maintain the form
that had won him six of the past 10 grand slam titles and given him a
71-3 win-loss record this year.
"It's normal that them (Australia) or Tiger Woods or Real
Madrid (lose more) when they play all the time. It makes me more
impressed about what I've achieved the past few years.
"You can't keep it up all the time. It's too much to ask from
yourself, year in and year out, winning two or three grand slams a year
like I have been."
Federer, who has topped the rankings for 85 weeks, yesterday
said he was surprised Lleyton Hewitt was not sure whether he would play
again this year, an absence the Swiss star said would be a pity.
Federer said he liked all the top players to compete in the two
Masters Series events leading up to the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai
in November.
He hoped Hewitt would be able to play around his family
commitments after wife Bec Cartwright gave birth to their first child
next month.
"I really thought he wants to play," Federer said.
"It's obvious that tennis is a professional hobby in a way. We'll see him stronger than ever next year.
"It would be a pity if he doesn't play. I hope all the guys play
the end of the year, unlike last year where in Madrid everyone pulled
out.
"Come on, guys, we should be playing. That's why I took my rest
after Wimbledon (for five weeks). I'm still very fresh and I have
reserves left in my tank. I think (world No. 2 Rafael) Nadal is right
now the biggest challenger."
Federer said he had not spoken to part-time coach Tony Roche about him continuing his role.
He felt Roche was keen to work with him in his drive to win a first French Open.
Federer, partner and agent Mirka Vavrinec and friends dined at a Manhattan hotel after his US Open win and celebrated until 3am.
"I let the evening unfold. I'm the sort of guy who likes to sit in the chair and look at the wine glass," he said.
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