Roger Federer knows what he has to do at the 26th GERRY WEBER OPEN to stay at No. 1 of the World's rankings. Federer has to defend last years title, which was no less than his ninth title in HalleWestfalen. Federer is noone to shy away from such a mission – how else would he have become one of the most successful tennis players of all time. "I love exactly those kind of challenges", the "Maestro" said on Monday evening at the press conferenz ahence his start at the 26th GERRY WEBER OPEN-Tournament.
Federer, who rewrote the history books of tennis as it pleased him and has fetched 20 Grand Slam trophies, has already set a new record before even playing his first match in HalleWestfalen – with his now 16th participation at Germany's most important tennis competition. "It's one of my absolute favourite tournaments. I have not won more anywhere else", Federer said, "it's always a pleasure to play here."
Federer goes into the task of fighting the best participants of tournaments history: "I'm still on a high", the 36 year old superstar said, "I don't feel tired after the victory in Stuttgart. I haven't fallen into a low." After arriving on early Monday morning he startet with some relaxed training with his Coach Ivan Ljubicic and is looking forward to "hopefully a good nights sleep". He had chosen Tuesday to start on purpose, "to somehow stay in the rhythm", Federer said: "The matches were not so exhausting last week, so I'm not very tired. That's why Tuesday is ok for me. I think I will be able to take a rest on Wednesday if I win."
Federer will meet Slovenian Aljaz Bedene, the No. 70 of the ATP-Rankings, in his opening match. He seemed confident "to get to a good start", while talking to the press and answering all the questions. The conditions in HalleWestfalen he said were "close to perfect": "the grass has got better each year. I expect more and longer rallys than in Stuttgart." If he played well he would not have "to analyse his and his opponants' game as much": "You then are in the flow. The problems lessen. And one generally keeps a clear head."
As to returning to the No. 1 of the World's rankings Federer added, it was "a moment to enjoy": "I just can't take it for granted to still succeed. And then more than once in this season."
