Melbourne: They are three of a kind who has the same goal that is winning the Australian Open men’s singles crown. However, while Roger Federer talked about the NextGen of tennis here Saturday, his expected main adversaries Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic spoke about how important it is for them to remain physically and mentally fit throughout the year. And both stated that they have learnt from the way Federer, at 36, has maintained his body.
No such worries for Federer though. The gentle Swiss while stating that ‘he is feeling good’ ahead of the tournament, spoke highly about the talented, but temperamental Aussie player Nick Kyrgios. The defending champion stated that he sees the Australian as a threat at the Australian Open – if he can keep his focus.
“He’s (Kyrgios) going through his things, whatever he needs to go through,” the Swiss great was quoted as saying by the ‘Herald Sun’ newspaper Saturday here Saturday. “But when he’s on, he’s really difficult to beat.”
The Swiss, seeded two, starts his title defence against Aljaz Bedene. He said he was looking forward to the challenge.
“I’m playing well and now it’s just about getting through the matches at the beginning part of the tournament,” Federer informed.
Meanwhile, Nadal, who is gunning for a 17th Major title but only his second Australian Open crown, was hampered by a knee injury at the tail-end of the 2017 season. He has only had a one-match workout at the exhibition Kooyong Classic in Melbourne ahead of the Grand Slam. Yet he is unfazed and raring to go.
“It is the first time I am here without playing an official match in my career. It’s a new situation for me. But I feel good,” said the 31-year-old, who played his first Australian Open in 2004.
“But then everyone starts from zero. I start from zero again. It’s the start of a new season, an exciting one. I hope to be healthy and competitive, and most important thing, I hope to enjoy tennis one more year,” added the Spaniard.
Six-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, on the other hand said he’s excited to be back after a long injury-enforced break and admitted he has missed the ‘fire and passion’ of competitive tennis.
“I’m just glad to be back playing tennis, having an opportunity to compete yet again in the big tournaments. I’ve missed it,” the former Serbian World No.1 said Saturday at Melbourne Park.
Djokovic had been sidelined with an elbow injury. He said it got to the point where the pain on his serve was becoming unbearable. “It hasn’t been 100 per cent yet healed. Right now it’s at the level where I can compete, and every day is getting better,” Djokovic informed.
“However, if the elbow lasts, I still know what I’m capable of, and I believe in my own abilities to win against the best players in the world,” Djokovic, who will face American Donald Young, added.
Agencies