‘I have low expectations of myself ahead of return to clay,’ admits Roger Federer

Roger Federer insists he has low expectations of himself ahead of his return to cay court tennis at the Madrid Masters this week.
The 37-year-old is primed to take to the red dirt again after a long absence.
Some believe it will be tough for Federer to re-adjust to the challenges of clay, and he is not necessarily putting up any argument.
“It will be interesting to see how this tournament goes,” Federer said. “I do not have high expectations in some ways.
“But at the same time I also know that things are possible. Madrid always plays fast with the altitude here. I’m intrigued to find out.”
Federer has not played competitively on clay for almost three years with the Italian Open of 2016 his last outing on the surface.
Does he regret the decision to return to clay court tennis?
“I’m happy that the decision I took last December, when I started feeling like I definitely want to play on the clay, was the right one,” Federer added.
“I haven’t looked back yet during the clay court build-up, thinking, ‘Ah, maybe I shouldn’t have.’ I’m happy I’m here, I’m happy I am on the surface.
“It takes some time getting used to how to construct the points a little bit more because there is more baseline (play), a possibility to play with more angles and height.
“It’s been interesting and fun, but not so challenging.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Madrid Open: Facts and figures about the ATP Masters & WTA Premier Mandatory event
-
Dominic Thiem starting to master the art of consistency against the Big Three
-
COMMENT: Next Gen Finals was outgoing ATP chief Chris Kermode’s finest achievement
-
-
Famous Five: Women tennis stars who have dated other sportsmen – with mixed success
-
Latest
-
News
Nick Kyrgios roadshow rumbles on at Wimbledon as he beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in bad-tempered thriller
Nick Kyrgios knocked out Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round.
-
Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal sees off Lorenzo Sonego and insists there was nothing ‘spicy’ about net conversation
Rafael Nadal marches on at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Iga Swiatek philosophical after her incredible streak ends with Wimbledon exit
Iga Swiatek seeing her glass as half full.
-
Wimbledon
Cameron Norrie on facing Tommy Paul at Wimbledon: ‘Good friends off the court, but it’s going to be a battle’
Norrie takes on his practice partner in the fourth round at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Alize Cornet after snapping Iga Swiatek’s 37-match winning streak: ‘Good wine always ages well’
Alize Cornet is aging like a fine wine as the veteran upset Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Amanda Anisimova sees off Coco Gauff at Wimbledon for ‘most special day of my career’
Gauff failed to make the fourth round on her third appearance at the Championships.
-
Wimbledon
Impressive Alex De Minaur ends Liam Broady’s Wimbledon journey in third round
World No132 joined compatriot Katie Boulter in bowing out on day six of the Championships.
-
Wimbledon
Katie Boulter ’emotionally drained’ as she admits Harmony Tan match was ‘one step too far for me’
It has been an emotional week for Boulter following the death of her grandmother.
-
Wimbledon
Tatjana Maria keeps daughter happy with Wimbledon run, but hopes to help next generation of WTA moms
The mum-of-two beat Maria Sakkari to secure a maiden fourth-round appearance at a major.
-
Wimbledon
Harmony Tan juggernaut rolls on as she ends Katie Boulter’s fine Wimbledon run in 51 minutes
Katie Boulter was outplayed by Harmony Tan in just 51 minutes.