New Delhi, Dec 7: Seventeen-time Grand Slam winners stated here Sunday morning that it was a ‘privilege and pleasure’ to play in India and also added that the IPTL will turn out to be a success. Federer arrived Saturday night at the Capital and later in the day he will turn out for the Indian Aces.
“It is special (to be in India) to say the least. I have played in many places in the world, but there is nothing like playing somewhere for the first time. India is a big country with lots of history, tradition in culture or sport and to come and finally play here is really a pleasure and privilege,” Federer stated. “I can’t wait to really start and feel the crowd and see how it is going to be like. Hopefully they will be excited to see me, see tennis.”
Federer stated that before his arrival, he had following the IPTL. “It is played in a different format… so I was studying that. Otherwise you may lose because you are not aware of the rules,” the genial man pointed out. “To understand the success of a tournament one has to give it a year’s time. But then I feel the format is exciting and the event will be a grand success.
Federer suffered a slump in form in 2013 but came back strongly in 2014 to finish as the World No. 2. He stated that he believed that he could always comeback.
“Last year was frustrating, tough. But at the same time, it was an opportunity to test my skills,” stated the humble Swiss. “I always felt that I had the ability to play well again if I remain fit and that is how 2014 has turned out to be. Thankfully there weren’t any setbacks in 2014 which turned to be great year because my wife gave birth to two more kids,” he added with a smile.
Federer also stated that the ups and downs in his career were normal. “All sportspersons go through it,” he stated. “I don’t think any player goes through a career where he wants to just tick off stuffs, it is too mechanical, there are no emotions. Lows provide you with more challenges and I have learnt from every fall,” the Swiss asserted.
