noticias y fotos

Federer has high hopes for Madrid

Roger Federer arrives at the Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open in search of his A-game.

The world No.2 who, with just an Australian Open runners-up trophy to his name in 2009, has endured a sub-par season by his standards, said that he felt close to recovering the form that saw him dominate the game for much of the decade.

“It’s getting better every week,” said the newly married Federer. “I’m happy with how I’m playing now. I’m training extremely hard and I’m playing well, although I can always improve.

“Of course it’s been a sort of rough start to this season considering I haven’t won a title. I’ve struggled a bit against my main rivals – got close to beating them but couldn’t quite get there against Rafa, Murray or Djokovic but I feel my game’s right there.

Federer said he enjoyed playing in Madrid’s elevated conditions. “The ball bounces high and definitely gives me a chance to play my attacking game.” And he had high hopes that the tournament, with its state-of-the-art Magic Box, would prove a hit with fans and players alike.

“I think always most important is that there are many spectators,” said the tournament No.2

seed. “If the stadiums are sold out day and night and there is a great buzz around the venue it is always popular with the players.

“Here in Spain they are very hungry for tennis. Having a huge clay court tournament is very fitting for Spain and the ATP Tour and I’m confident this is going to be a good tournament for the future and that fans will want to come back here as soon as possible.”

Federer has a bye in the first round and will face the winner of Russia’s Igor Andreev and Sweden’s Robin Soderling in round two.