The record-holding champion has come to Halle with a clear mission. And he wants to take home the 10th title from the 27th NOVENTI OPEN, that is the clear mission for Roger Federer. “Victory is always my aim in Halle”, the 37-year-old world star said on Sunday morning at the press conference at the GERRY WEBER STADION. “I am fit, am full of energy and I simple love to play here. And that is why I’m going into the tournament with a very positive mind-set.” Federer, now at no. 3 of the ATP rankings, could break his personal record at one of his favourite tournaments, because the “Maestro“has never won an event 10 times anywhere on the tour”. It would be crazy to achieve this”, Federer said.
Federer is convinced to be ready for the short, intensive grass season, after collecting a lot of self-confidence at the French Open. “it was really good to get to the semi-finals in a Grand Slam again”, Federer said. “And after my first match in Paris for four years.” Federer said, he had rested after the performance in the French capital “for two days” and got rid of the fatigue, but now he felt “really fit, well rested and ready” for going onto the grass. “Furthermore, the grass just seems to suit me. I love the intuitive, aggressive game”, Federer said. “On the other hand, it’s always on cutting edge. The matches are often decided by just a few rallies. You always have to be wide awake, very concentrated.”
Federer‘s first opponent in HalleWestfalen will be the 29-year-old Australian player John Millman (ATP 56). He is a good old acquaintance for Federer. Federer had invited Millman to Switzerland last year ahead of the grass season, for training. They again met, to Federer’s dismay, at the US-Open, he then lost at the Arthur Ashe-Stadion in the second round. “John is always an extreme hard opponent, one who will give you something for free”, Federer said. “He will play a good match in the first round here in Halle. John always gives 100% on the court. It will be a real test, but that is perhaps what I need.”
After his arrival and his first training session Federer had taken a photo of himself on his balcony at the GERRY WEBER SPORTPARK HOTEL and thus shown his view of Court 1 and the tournament site on social media. “Where else would you find a room with a view like this, it’s simple wonderful here”, Federer said. “When friends come here they can’t grasp that you can actually watch tennis from the hotel. It’s really cool, to see friends and rivals in their match from my balcony.” He could even see the other courts, too, Federer stated. “I can’t miss a thing.”
Federer also talked about his “close relationship” to Germany’s largest ATP competition. “I of course informed myself when I heard that there was trouble. Because of course I want to know how my friends are”, the 20-times Grand Slam champion stated. “I also offered my help at once, was glad to hear about the new title sponsor. I will talk to Ralf Weber this week what other opportunities there are for a cooperation.”
