After an impressive start Monday, Roger Federer, hopes to build his Australian Open challenge on a strong first three rounds.
Despite not playing in any lead-up tournament in many weeks, he shone brightly in his first match. The 20-time Grand Slam title winner whipped Steve Johnson 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 at the Rod Laver Arena.
Despite his excellent performance, however, the 38-year-old Swiss legend remains the Open’s 4th favourite of the New Jersey betting industry.
On Monday William Hill had Novac Djokovic (-105) at No 1 followed by Rafael Nadal (+550), Daniil Medvedev (+850) and Federer (+900). New Jersey’s other sportsbooks were pretty much in agreement with these odds.
In the wake of his opting against any competitive tennis ahead of the year’s first major, Federer feels a strong start is vital
Federer ‘hasn’t played in any proper matches in weeks”
“I haven’t played in any proper matches in many, many weeks. A lot of guys, probably 95 per cent of the guys; are coming here with matches. I’m not one of them,” he told a news conference.
“Now I have one win. Best of five, too, which is even better. I think for me really the first three rounds are key to getting going; to getting used to the pressure and to staying calm
It could be key to saving break points or 30-30 points or whatever. It could help you stay calm if you’re down a set and a break or whatever.
“This is sort of the unknown that can be a little bit scary at times. But today there was none of that because I broke early in each set. I was able to get on a roll and play freely after that. And also felt I had margin.
“Anything I was doing I felt like I had the game under control. That might not be the case in the next round, so I just think I have to be careful.
A round-by-round, point-for-point mentality needed
“I’ll have to have a round by round, point for point mentality. I know other guys that are playing extremely well right now so I think it’s just important to stay very calm about things.”
In his match against Johnson, Federer hit 34 winners but made 20 unforced errors.
Was he worried about the court speed as compared with Melbourne Park last year?
“Not really,’ he said. It’s pretty similar, you know.
“I think balls play fast when they are new. They can change after a couple of games, depending on who you play and how long the rallies are right then.
“But I’d say for two to four games it can play faster. The balls fluff up extremely quickly here when you do get into long rallies. I feel balls on night sessions or indoor or on a cool day, actually play quite slow. It’s what it is, you know.
“But I think it also depends on how you play maybe also and how you manage your game and what kind of opponent you have.”