Federer: Longer Grass Season is Game-Changer

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Federer: Longer Grass Season is Game-Changer

Roger Federer says that this year’s Wimbledon preparation is the best he’s ever had. The 7-time Wimbledon champion told reporters that he feels confident after nabbing his 15th grass-court title at Halle. The 33-year-old also said his body feels fine as the fortnight approaches.

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More important, Federer says that the extra week that the tours added between the French Open and Wimbledon has been a godsend—and not just for him.

“Yeah, it's probably been the best preparation I've ever had for Wimbledon, for obvious reasons, because we have a week more on the grass,” he said. “I'm sure I'm not the only one saying that this year. I'm sure everybody will say the same.”

Federer says that having some time to heal after the grueling European clay-court season has changed the complexion of the pre-Wimbledon tune-up period.

“It's changed everything, to be honest,” he said. “You might think that a week is not a lot, but a week is so much for us players. Obviously that week we have now, we have less after Wimbledon. So let's talk about the positives right here. The body might feel it after Wimbledon. But, no, the good thing is you can heal problems you might have carried over from the French rather than taking chances right away running onto the grass, or not playing a warmup event.” Federer, who will compete in his 17th Wimbledon, is tied with Lleyton Hewitt for most appearances at the Championships among active players.

“Wimbledon comes around very quickly,” Federer said. “You come in with many more doubts into the tournament. I could rest and relax and then really train and prepare properly for a change for a good grass court season. Just the moving on grass takes some adjustment. Also, in my opinion, some physical adjustment, which I had all the time to do. That worked well. I could go early to Halle, train a lot, rest again. Same here. Arrived two days after the [Halle] finals. Trained for three days, off today. I can totally pace myself, which is huge in an athlete's career and life.”

Federer will open his bid for an 8th Wimbledon title against Damir Dzuhmhur of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Swiss defeated Dzumhur in three sets at Roland Garros when the met in the third round.

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