The upcoming US Open provides Roger Federer with the opportunity to become the first man in history to win a 20th grand slam title. It is a situation that many players dream of and for the 36-year-old, it is one that he can quite believe is happening.
Returning to the tour in January following a six-month absence due to injury, Federer has claimed two major titles this season. At the Australian Open he defeated Rafael Nadal in five sets. Then at Wimbledon, he stormed past Marin Cilic in the final. Between those two events, the world No.3 won Masters titles in Miami and Indian Wells as well as another trophy on the grass at Halle.
“I didn’t expect a year like this, especially after the difficulties I had last year with my knee and my back—everything was bad, really, last year.” Federer told Vanity Fair.
“And here I am, fighting for world No. 1, won two Slams already this year, another five titles—I mean, it’s something super special, so in some ways, it feels like the best season of my life.”
With such a stellar year, it is only natural that Federer is amongst the leading contenders for the US Open crown. Especially with the current state of the men’s elite. Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori have all ended their season due to injury issues. Andy Murray hasn’t played a competitive match since Wimbledon due to his hip. Meanwhile, new No.1 Rafael Nadal hasn’t won a title on a hard-court since January 2014.
It might look as if the stars in New York are aligning for the Swiss maestro to clinch an historic 20th title at Flushing Meadows. Although a cautious Federer is hinting that the prospect of winning a third major within a single season could be a step too far. The last time he achieved the triple was ten years ago in 2007.
“No, I think it’s going to be difficult, you know? I know everybody says that, but I just don’t see myself winning three Slams this year. If I would have told people, ‘I will win one more Grand Slam,’ there would have been a 50-50 thing, where people would have said ‘no’ or ‘yes’—and here I have two already. Three would almost be too much to be true, you know?”
Injury fears eased
On Wednesday Federer addressed the media in America to promote the inaugural Laver Cup. A team tournament that will see Europe face the rest of the world in a style similar to Golf’s Ryder Cup. It provided him with the opportunity to give an update on his back injury, which forced him out of Cincinnati last week. Ask if the issue could hamper his performance next week, Federer swiftly replied ‘I don’t think so.’
“I am where I want to be. I took it slow because I could. I wasn’t in a rush. I didn’t have to play points or matches within a few days after Montreal.” He explained.
“I was really good taking my time, follow a schedule and not force it. I’m better off following that schedule. I still have four, five days. So it’s all good.”
Beside the back, it appears that everything else is in going in the right direction. Illustrated by a win-loss record of 35-3 this season. Heading into his 71st grand slam main draw, Federer’s desire to triumph has failed to diminish over the years.
“Other than the back issue, I’m coming in as good as I can possibly feel,’’ Federer said. “I’m playing extremely well. I’ve had as much motivation as I ever had. I rested the clay-court season, saving the body and mind. I’m really excited to be here. I’m making sure I’m 100-percent ready for New York. I’m feeling a lot better than a week ago. That’s very encouraging.”
At the US Open, which will get underway on Monday, Federer will be seeded third in the men’s draw. He is a five-time champion of the event, last winning in 2008.
