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

ATP Tour
Roger Federer on clay PA

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.”

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