Federer’s successful comeback
Roger Federer didn’t plan on bowing to Dan Evans yesterday. Even as he had met the 66th-ranked Englishman just once before (in a straight-sets romp at Wimbledon last July), and even though he was forced to stay away from competitive tennis in the last six months to convalesce from a knee injury, he knew he could still rely on the same combine of skill and experience that allowed him to amass 17 Grand Slam singles titles. And he did, dispatching his opponent three and four in an hour and three minutes to give Switzerland its first 2017 Hopman Cup win.
Needless to say, Federer was in no real danger of losing either of the two sets he played, let alone the match. Just as his blue- and-white ensemble complemented Perth Arena’s colors, so did his game befit his lead status in representing flag and country. Really, it was as if he hadn’t left, his graceful style and seemingly effortless shotmaking on display from the get-go and until the final point. In fact, he proved so sharp that he couldn’t help but be pleased in the aftermath. “I thought for a first match it was great, because my expectations were obviously quite low,” he disclosed.
To be sure, Federer has grander plans, which is why he aims to burn rubber in as many set-tos as possible heading into the Australian Open. Never mind that he hasn’t claimed the opening tournament in the major rota since the turn of the decade, and that, all told, he has come up with zilch since Wimbledon in 2012. As he noted, “it would be nice to win another won. Of course, I’d even take two or three or four.”
Federer’s no fool, so he understands the uphill climb he has to negotiate in order to add to his haul. “It’s tough at the top. A lot of good guy out there now,” he said. He didn’t mention any player by name, perhaps in recognition of his relatively low standing in the rankings. That said, he remains confident of his chances, in no small measure because, after a long while, he’s wielding a racket without pain. How well he does is anybody’s guess, but if he falters,
it won’t be because he couldn’t give his best.
Federer’s no fool, so he understands the uphill climb he has to negotiate in order to add to his haul. “It’s tough at the top. A lot of good guy out there now,” he said. He didn’t mention any player by name, perhaps in recognition of his relatively low standing in the rankings. That said, he remains confident of his chances, in no small measure because, after a long while, he’s wielding a racket without pain.