Roger Federer has won just about every significant title in tennis.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion has also grown with major loss—he's lost his fear of left-handers.
More: Federer Fights off Kohlschreiber
Continuing his quest for his 100th career title in Dubai this week, Federer defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber to set up a second-round clash with Spanish left-hander Fernando Verdasco.
The second-seeded Swiss is 6-0 lifetime vs. Verdasco, winning 13 of 14 sets they've played.
“I played a few other lefties in the past, as well," Federer told the media in Dubai following his opening-round win. "I always thought it was hard to play left-handed servers because their strength goes into your weakness. For a one-handed backhand player, I have a great record against left-handed players.”
The exception to that rule is rival Rafael Nadal, who has won 23 of 38 matches with Federer unleashing a torrent of lefty topspin forehands to torment the Swiss' one-handed backhand.
“Obviously, Rafa has caused me most problems throughout," Federer said. "That’s because of the level of play he’s able to achieve. I don’t fear the lefties any more like I did in my teenage years, so that’s good. I think that’s because I was able to improve my game.
"Every player anyway tries to play to your weakness or tries to make you play bad. It’s going to be no different with Verdasco. I have to come out and play good and serve well and stay on top of the baseline, try to dominate from there.”
Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve