After watching Rafael Nadal equal Bjorn Borg’s record of six titles at the French Open, Roger Federer turned his gaze to matching Pete Sampras’ seven Wimbledon wins.
Federer lost to Nadal 7-5, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-1 on Sunday in the French Open final, but in reaching the final for the fifth time at Roland Garros, the 16-time Grand Slam champion said he has regained his confidence — just in time for Wimbledon.
“That’s obviously the huge priority right now,” Federer said of the grass-court major, “to win Wimbledon in a few weeks’ time.”
In Paris, Federer played in his first major final since winning his 16th at the 2010 Australian Open title.
“I think I lost some confidence maybe through the French Open and Wimbledon last year,” Federer said. “It was just important to get to another Grand Slam final, keep on playing well. I’m feeling better physically than I have in a long time, so that’s been very positive.”
For Federer, playing at the All England Club is like playing at home. After losing in the first round nine years ago, he played in the championship match a record seven consecutive years and won the title six times. His only loss came against Nadal in the 2008 final.
Last year, the six-time champion failed to reach the final for the first time since 2002, losing to Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals.
Federer first came to prominence at Wimbledon 10 years ago when he ended Sampras’ 31-match winning streak in a thrilling five-set match.
So, the switch from clay to grass will surely be a welcome change.
“That’s always, for me, the sort of number one goal in the season,” Federer said. “This is where it all started for me back in 2003; or even with Sampras earlier in 2001. So that’s why I always really enjoy coming back.” — AP