TENNIS BITS & PIECES – Federer confident for the Rogers Cup. Nishikori may miss the US Open. Andy Murray and Amelie Mauresmo plan to work together “long term”. Angelo Lo Conte
A ‘laid-back’ Roger Federer ready for Rogers cup
Roger Federer is playing the Rogers Cup bidding for a third title at the Canadian ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event. Ahead of his run, the 32 year old shared insight about how his approach to the sport has evolved in this stage of his career. “I feel more laid back today than I ever have been,” said Federer. “I don’t have to prove anything to anybody. For me, it’s about, ‘How do I feel in practice?’ ‘What’s my motivation?’ I can analyse [things] much more clearly than I ever have. I am not in a hectic place. When I was younger, I felt more pressure to do what people said,” said Federer. “Now I go my pace and I enjoy the process. I love to go back to places like Toronto. I see the positive sides.”
Kei Nishikori has cyst removed in foot, questionable for U.S. Open
Japan’s Kei Nishikori is questionable for the U.S. Open after he had a cyst removed from his right foot. Dr. Robert Anderson performed the procedure on Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Nishikori’s agent, Olivier Van Lindonk, says in an email that his client will fly home to Florida on Tuesday to begin his recovery. Nishikori, the first Japanese man to reach the top 10 in the rankings, is No. 11 this week. He lost to Richard Gasquet in the quarterfinals in Washington on Friday. Nishikori will miss next week’s tournament in Cincinnati. The U.S. Open begins Aug. 25.
Andy Murray says Amelie Mauresmo will be coach ‘long term’
Andy Murray said that Amelie Mauresmo will be his coach “long term,” according to BBC Sport. Murray began working with the French former professional women’s player shortly before Wimbledon this year. After he failed to defend his 2013 Wimbledon title by losing in the quarterfinals, some speculation emerged as to whether Murray might change coaches. But Murray put those doubts to rest before the beginning of this week’s Rogers Cup in Toronto.”We’ve agreed to work together and I think from both sides we’re willing to do what it takes to make it work long term, I really enjoy working with her, she’s helped me a lot. She integrated well with the rest of the team. It’s been a good start. Now it’s about me producing the results.”Murray hasn’t won a tournament since Wimbledon last year, though he made it to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and the semifinals of the French Open. He’s currently ranked No. 9 in the world, down from No. 5 before his early Wimbledon exit.
