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Roger Federer shares winning tips with Aussie Golden Girls
2 Comments · Posted by Staff in Articles
By Jayita A. Belcourt
[Roger Federer poses with Olympic Gold Medalists Libby Trickett (Swimming), Sally Pearson (Athletics) and Natalie Cook (Beach Volleyball) at the Brisbane International. Photo by Jayita A. Belcourt]
It is not unusual to see little kids shaking in their boots with anticipation of meeting tennis great Roger Federer, but it seems even the world’s most accomplished athletes feel this way too. The 32 year old was swamped with autograph requests, a colorful array of questions and bounties of giggles during a historic meet with three Aussie sporting greats at the Brisbane International on Day 2.
“Yeah I love meeting other athletes,†the tennis legend shared in a press conference after the meet. “The hurdler in particular, I think she was very excited meeting me,†he laughed. “Plus they all won gold (medals at the Olympics) so it’s always a pleasure spending time and just discussing.â€
During the intimate encounter, the Swiss Maestro revealed some of his recent struggles that overshadowed what was otherwise, an impeccable sporting career. Surprising, Federer was open to admit that maintaining “focus†and dealing with “wandering†thoughts was amongst the list. He also gave the golden girls tips on handling “tough moments†and espoused the importance of maintaining a holistic perspective both on and off the court.
“I just think as a tennis player, because we play that many matches, you need to have a bit of a relaxed mind in some way,†the world number 6 shared. “You can’t get too caught up like it was the Olympic Games [or grand slam event] every single day, otherwise it kind of consumes you. You’re not free enough in the mind to play.â€
“I’m aware that it is very important [to win]. But at the same time, I need to enjoy it as well. If the enjoyment level starts going down, down, down because the pressure is so big, that sort of forces you out of the game I feel too quickly.â€
“You need to have the right balance. For that reason, vacation is important, friends on tour are important, who you practice with; when you practice; which tournaments you play and so forth. You need to keep it exciting and that’s what I’ve tried to do throughout my career. Sometimes better than other timesâ€.
Having held the reigns of the ATP top spot from 2004 to 2008 for an unprecedented 237 consecutive weeks, there is no doubt Federer knows the recipe to success. But with his wife pregnant with their third child, surely another hurdle awaits? Only time will tell whether he can apply his magic formula in 2014.
Roger will face his first test of the year against Finland’s, Jarkko Nieminen on Wednesday night (7pm AEST).
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Jayita · January 2, 2014 at 12:46 am
It seems Roger has dusted off his ‘cobwebs’ with a clinical 6-4, 6-2 win over the world no.39 last night! Interesting statement made post match by the world no.6 which I think sums its up…
“I’m actually very clear in my mind. I’m not thinking about it when I’m going out there, which is a great thing…. Now it’s just down to forehands and backhands and tactics and movement. That’s kind of what you want it to be, because unfortunately it hasn’t always been that way last year with my issues!”
Scoop Malinowski · January 2, 2014 at 6:34 am
Jayita; Federer is beating who he is supposed to beat but I like this strong confidence he is exuding in his words. He’s basically saying in essence, “Last year was a fluke bad year with my back issues hindering my preparation and confidence but now this year I have no issues and am back a hundred % so I am ready and will prove it to the big dogs. And seventeen is not my ceiling, there’s a few more to come.” Winning singles and doubles in Brisbane would be peRFect for Federer to start this new year on the Right Foot.