Federer Eyeing 9th Wimbledon Amid Nadal Threat

After longtime rival Rafael Nadal tightened his iron-grip on Roland Garros, Roger Federer aims to do the same with Wimbledon. This year, he is aiming for a ninth title at the All England Club.

Despite being stunned by Borna Coric in Halle last weekend, Federer will still start Wimbledon as the favourite to clinch a 21st major.

Last year, Federer defeated Marin Cilic to set new records. In the process, he became both the tournament’s oldest champion and first to claim eight titles.

That victory came after he opted to skip the entire clay court season. He adopted the same strategy this year, leading to Nadal romping to an 11th French Open.

“I’m really going to love going to Wimbledon but being the defending champion always creates pressure,” said Federer.

“Regardless of whether I won or lost in Halle I will be one of the favourites at Wimbledon.”

Federer won his first Wimbledon and maiden Slam title in 2003. Since then, he has added seven more at the All England Club with Nadal winning twice. His other rivals Novak Djokovic won three times and Andy Murray took two titles.

In 2002, Lleyton Hewitt was the last man outside the ‘Big Four’ to win the Wimbledon championship.

Federer cannot see anyone breaking that equilibrium anytime soon. In fact, he has even tipped Nadal to go deep in the tournament.

“I think Rafa is one of the big favourites,” said Federer. The Swiss player famously lost the 2008 final to the Spaniard. That match is widely regarded as one of the finest Slam showdowns of all time.

“When Rafa is healthy, anything is possible for him.”

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Spaniard has been practicing on grass in Mallorca and is cautiously optimistic.

“I had to spend time adapting physically and in my tennis to the surface,” said Nadal.

“I will certainly arrive at Wimbledon with less preparation, but I’m going with confidence high because I played very well through the whole clay court season.”

2011, 2014 and 2015 champion, Novak Djokovic, retired with an elbow injury in the quarter-finals in 2017.

Djokovic had initially hinted that he may sit out Wimbledon after losing to world number 72 Marco Cecchinato in the French Open quarter-finals.

At least, Djokovic is back in the top 20, a luxury not enjoyed by Andy Murray who is ranked at 156.

Murray suffered a hip injury in a five-set loss to Sam Querrey in the 2017 quarter-finals and underwent surgery in January.