Qatar Tennis Federation president Nasser al-Khelaifi (centre) talks with Swiss tennis player Roger Federer as Qatar ExxonMobil Open tournament director Karim Alami looks on at the Doha International Airport yesterday
By N D Prashant/Doha
Swiss ace Roger Federer is well aware that he just needs to look for inspiration from the success he achieved towards the end of last season to kick start the New Year.
The grand slam record holder has gone 17 matches unbeaten and won three titles since the US Open in September before going into the recently concluded exhibition Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, where he lost to World No 1 Novak Djokovic in the semis and also the third place match to arch rival Rafael Nadal.
However, Federer remains undeterred and is keen to defend his title here at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open starting today.
“I would consider the Abu Dhabi tournament as a good preparation. The atmosphere there was good; good crowd and some good players. I faced two of the most difficult matches you can get at the moment i.e. Rafa and Novak. It was nice to see where you stand,” said Federer, who arrived in Doha yesterday afternoon for the season opening tournament.
“I feel I’m well prepared for Doha and that’s what is more important right now. I’m excited to be back. It’s always wonderful to start the year from Doha. I have always done well here and would like to start the season in good fashion,” revealed Federer, who has a tough first round match against last year’s runner-up Nikolay Davydenko.
Federer, who is eyeing the 17th Grand Slam this season, was of the view that the off-season break had done no harm to his rhythm.
“Honestly, I’m happy to have a break. It is important to get a break during winning streaks, as you get a chance to reassess and comeback stronger. I consider this as a chance for me to keep on going with my streak,” said Federer, who has a record three titles here in Doha.
Federer, too, echoed the same sentiments as his first round opponent Davydenko that he would have preferred a showdown at a later stage than at the beginning of the tournament.
“I know I have a difficult match with Davydenko here in the first round. It is like the finals of last year. It is strange in a way to play him the first round itself.
“I’m sure it would be a good match; though I would have loved to play him later on. He is a very good player and I know his potential. I have played him over 15 times, so I know how good he is. He would be well prepared.”