By IANS,
Wimbledon : Roger Federer has an eye for history despite having made enough of it already. Apart from adding Grand Slam titles to his kitty, Federer is also eyeing the Olympic gold medal at Beijing this year.
Federer, who this week attempts to better Bjorn Borg’s record of five Wimbledon titles in a row by adding a sixth, calls the Olympic tennis tournament a ‘tricky one’ and “more dangerous than a Grand Slam”.
“Look, it’s a tricky tournament. It’s best-of-three the first rounds and then best-of-five for the finals. It’s a more dangerous tournament than maybe a Grand Slam, you know, where best-of-five matches may favour the favourites. You have to see the draw. The draw will be tough. Most of the top players are going there, so I’m looking forward to play well.
“Anyway, I feel like I’m exactly where I want to be. I’m playing well again. I’m physically in a good shape again. So things are looking good, but there’s never a guarantee. I’m going to try to prepare the best way I can,” he said.
When asked about memories of his previous two Olympic appearances in 2000 and 2004, he said: “In 2000, I didn’t expect a medal, so it was already a big breakthrough to get to the semis. Then it was sort of disappointing not to get one, having two chances.
“But Sydney, for me, was one of the best sporting memories for me, almost as a person or as an athlete. The whole combination for me was quite unique.”
“Then Athens, for me, was already a bit more disappointing. You know, I was No. 1 seeded, lost in the second round against Berdych. Was close; got a little unfortunate in some points and stuff. Next thing you know, I had to play doubles after that, as well. It was just really a bad day. Also didn’t maybe enjoy that much of Sydney, so I hope Beijing is going to be, again, a better experience for me,” he said.