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February 24, 2005
The ball flies a lot more here: Federer
By Ahmed Abbas Rizvi, Khaleej Times
DUBAI
— Roger Federer was on lofty heights on Tuesday, playing tennis with
Andre Agassi on top of the Burj Al Arab. Yesterday, he was brought
crashing down to earth by a little known 20-year-old from the Czech
Republic. The
Swiss World No.1, however, wouldn’t like to believe his struggles had
anything to do with the drastic switch of altitudes between the two
matches.
“No, it had nothing to do with it, at least I hope so,” he laughed, after scampering past Ivo Minar 6-7 (5), 6-3, 7-6 (5).
“I am normally sleeping at that same height, so I am used to it.”
On a more sober note, he added: “It’s just that the ball flies a lot more here in Dubai than it does indoors in Rotterdam.
“The
way I was feeling and playing, I wasn’t that comfortable,” the Swiss,
who has just returned from Rotterdam after winning his second title of
the year, revealed.
“I didn’t have any rhythm and it was tough to get into any rallies.
“I couldn’t play as aggressive enough as I would have liked to.
“I didn’t have my best day, but I tried to make the best of what I could.
“So all I tried to do is keep the points short. I was chipping and charging and sometimes volleying.
Tough day
“But it was very tough today and I am happy I have won,” added the relieved defending champion.
Did he feel the game slipping away at any moment?
“A
few times, yes,” said Federer. “Break point down after a double break
in the third, I think that was really crucial point. There were a
couple of other ones.”
With the first round hiccups away, Federer is now looking forward to going all the way and making it a three-peat here in Dubai.
Next
up for Federer is the former World No. 1 and 2001 Dubai Men’s Open
champion, Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain, and the two clash tonight.
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