Federer blasts past Nieminen in Istanbul

Roger Federer began his inaugural TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Open campaign with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Jarkko Nieminen on Wednesday, recording his 200th match win on clay.

The top-seeded Swiss did not face a break point on serve during the one-hour match, as he improved to a 15-0 ATP Head to Head record against the 33-year-old Finn. He also served nine aces while Nieminen had none.

"I'm happy that I won my first match ever in Turkey," he said. "In the second set Jarkko started playing better and I'm happy that I managed to close the match."

He became the seventh active player to reach the 200 clay-court match wins milestone, and the fourth to win 200 or more tour-level matches on both hard and clay courts, joining Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and Tommy Robredo.

Rafael Nadal - 329
David Ferrer - 294
Nicolas Almagro - 252
Tommy Robredo - 251
Juan Monaco - 220
Albert Montanes - 202
Roger Federer - 200

Federer raced through the first set in just 20 minutes, pulling out his full armoury of drop shots, cross court forehands and backhand winners against a clearly hesitant Nieminen, the world 71.

A stunning drop shot from Federer that fell dead inside the service court broke Nieminen's serve in the fifth game and left the crowd gasping.

The crowd, who had braved heavy evening traffic to catch Federer play at the 8,000 capacity Garanti Koza arena on the outskirts of Istanbul, began to get behind the Finn to prolong the game.

Nieminen showed greater confidence in the second set, holding his serve with ease and an over-relaxed Federer spraying the ball wide regularly.

The Federer forehand was responsible for a string of unforced errors, allowing Nieminen to hold serve without trouble.

But Federer, serving and volleying on occasion and delivering nine aces in the match, found his top gear at the close of the set.

Piling pressure on the Nieminen second serve and using his trademark drive volley to great effect, Federer finally broke Nieminen to lead 6-5.

He then served out to love, finishing with a stunning backhand cross court that left Nieminen with arms and legs akimbo.

Federer, who is looking to win his 11th clay-court title this week, will face Daniel Gimeno-Traver in the quarter-finals, but first, he planned on making good use of his day off Thursday.

"Tomorrow I have a day off and I will enjoy and do a sightseeing trip by boat on the Bosphorus to see some more of this beautiful city," he said.

Earlier Wednesday, Gimeno-Traver fired five aces past sixth seed Mikhail Kukushkin in a 6-3, 6-3 win, his third in four meetings against the Kazakh. The in-form Spaniard is 7-2 in his past two tournaments, highlighted by a runner-up finish at the Grand Prix Hassan II (l. to Klizan).

Date: 29th April 2015, Source: ATP and AFP

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Federer enjoys Istanbul, hopes for "nice long week"

It’s not often that Roger Federer gets to play in a new country, and 24 hours into his visit to Turkey, the city of Istanbul has met his expectations.

“I’ve heard a lot of great things about Istanbul and the country; I’ve always wanted to come visit,” he said, ahead of the inaugural TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Open.

“I saw the pictures before I came here and I was hoping it was going to be like this, so I’m happy it’s as pretty as it is and I’m really enjoying myself. I hope it’s going to be a nice long week and I hope it’s a lot of matches and I stay here as long as possible.”

Federer is aiming to win his 11th clay-court title this week in Istanbul, before he heads to back-to-back ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments in Madrid and Rome, followed by Roland Garros.

“The French Open clearly is a big goal of mine, but to play well at the French Open I need confidence and I need to play well, and I hope I can pick that up here in Istanbul and really win a lot of matches, preferably win the tournament,” he said. “That’s why I’m here, at the end of the day is to win this.”

He began his clay-court campaign two weeks ago at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, where he lost to Gael Monfils in the third round, and has spent close to a month working on clay.

“It’s about getting used to the sliding and just wanting to decide how aggressive I want to play,” he said. “Clearly I play on hard court for 7-8 months like all the other players. It just takes some adjustments. For that, I’m trying to put up as many hours as I can on the clay and I think my game is going to get better and better as we move along.”

Federer expected both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal to be in peak form at Roland Garros, and called them the favourites, despite Nadal’s recent struggles. “Even though maybe his form is not as good as the previous years, I still believe once the French Open rolls around he’ll be difficult to beat.”

But first, the World No. 2 is focused on his opening assignment this week: playing the winner between Turkey’s Marsel Ilhan and Finland’s Jarkko Nieminen in the second round.

“I really hope I can play against Marsel, even though he’s playing Nieminen, who is a really close friend of mine; I came through the juniors with him,” he said. “Either way it’s going to be a nice first round, but of course the atmosphere would be quite special if I played Marsel in the first round.”

Date: 28th April 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer: I didn't know my enormous popularity in Turkey

TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Open’s top seed and world no 2. Roger Federer held a press conference at Istanbul Four Seasons Bosphorus Hotel earlier today.

33-year-old Swiss said that he was delighted to be in Istanbul for the first time, “As a world citizen I travel many different cities and countries. I have always heard of Istanbul and here I am now. People are so friendly with full of hospitality. I’m sure that the center court (Garanti Koza Arena) will be a packed stadium as the games start. The atmosphere, the city is marvellous. I enjoy the moment a lot and I hope I’ll stay till the end of the week. I’m here for playing tennis but I expect to visit more of the city.”

Stating that he didn't know his enormous popularity in Turkey and got surprised with the huge interest, Federer told the press that Istanbul Open would add a lot more to Turkish tennis which is on the way of development.

“WOULD BE A SPECIAL MOMENT”

Record holder with 17 major singles titles, Federer has also mentioned about Turkey’s leading player Marsel Ilhan, who he may face in the second round. “Since two years I hear a lot about Marsel. He’s a very warm and funny guy. He has given me important information about Turkish tennis. And I’m sure that I’ll get to learn much more about it during the week. Marsel will face Jarkko Nieminen who’s also a close friend of mine in the opening round. I’ll be happy to meet whoever I’ll play against. But it would surely be a special moment to play against Ilhan in front of Turkish crowd.”

“I’M GETTING USED TO CLAY”

Asked about his clay court season expectations, Roger told that he’s trying to get adapted to clay court, and it would be the best for him to play as many matches as he can on this surface. Dreaming his 85th overall singles title in Istanbul, Federer sees Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic as the favorites for the French Open title.

Roger Federer will open his Istanbul campaign against the winner of Marsel Ilhan-Jarkko Nieminen encounter in the second round on Wednesday.

Date: 27th April 2015, Source: Istanbul Open

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Roger Federer: I want to play as long as possible

Roger Federer in his latest interview with German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung talked about his family, Martina Hingis proposal for the Rio Olympics in 2016 to his relationship with his coach Stefan Edberg.

84 singles titles to his name, but Roger Federer is far from satisfied and done, and seeks to continue expanding its records in tennis. The Swiss is admired all over the world, and had the greatest fan base.

He started the interview telling about his role as a dad, and the big responsibility that comes with being one.

What is the most surprising for Federer, is having one big family and still been eager to travel and play across the world?

“Yes, it’s weird for me to think that I have a family so big and still continuing to play. In the past I thought only of myself as a tennis player, often traveling alone, sometimes with the coach, my parents or my wife. A family is, however, a different matter. What I’m living in the last six years is something totally different. Mirka and I are privileged to be parents. With the experience of many years of traveling behind I can teach my children how to behave around the world, let them know different places and cultures. It will be an incredible life lesson.”

Then continued with his schedule this season and what are his expectations.

“The Australia Open for me was a total disappointment, because I played really bad against Seppi. Regarding the clay season, after Monte Carlo I hope to do well in Istanbul, Madrid and Paris, reaching at least the semifinals of Roland Garros. It is clear that for me the goal will be the grass season, with Halle and Wimbledon. I will give the highest priority to the extra week between Paris and Halle in order to better prepare the grass season.”

He explained that is difficult for him to play in three discipline at the Olympics even though that automatic means more chanced for medals.

“Martina Hingis in Dubai asked me if I wanted to play with her. I’ve always admired but for me it is now difficult to say whether playing alone or all three disciplines (singles, doubles and mixed doubles). With Stan Wawrinka I will play the doubles. Of course, the more disciplines I play, I’ll get more chances for a medal but I don’t know if my body can handle that.”

In very relaxed manner he continued talking about the rankings and points needed.

“Points of the ranking are important because they make you stand up and have a better placement in Grand Slam draws, but if I am number six or 10 that doesn’t change much. So that’s why I am on the hunt for points to be able to return to number one or to be in a good position to be able to win more Grand Slams.”

The Swiss talked about Stefan Edberg:

“For me it is motivating to work with him, it’s like a dream to spend time together, even just for a coffee. He reminds me of things I actually already know, but sometimes that should be highlighted again. He is a man of few words.”

What about the angry moments and racquets breaking?

“I also get angry sometimes, especially while I train, many times more than when I play. Once in Monte Carlo, training with Kohlschreiber, I was upset for failing a ball that I was on the net and threw my racket to the ground and I wanted to kick as if it was a football ball but missed it and get even more angrier.”

Is there any possibility to see Federer as a future coach?

“I would not be able to be free seven days a week, I do not think it is realistic also thinking of the needs of my family. My children? The other day one of my daughters told me: ‘Dad you are wrong, you’re hitting the ball badly.’ For me it is essential that they love the sport, they learn coordination and athleticism, who understand and accept victory and defeat. I will support them, but I do not think that I will train them.”

Date: 24th April 2015, Source: Tennis Flash

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Federer aims to get '100% comfortable' on clay

Roger Federer was denied a 12th time in his bid for the elusive Monte Carlo Rolex Masters title, and admitted that lack of comfort - both on clay and against Frenchman Gael Monfils - contributed to his third-round exit Thursday.

“It's the very beginning of the clay court season,” said the four-time Monte Carlo finalist. “It's going to take me some time to feel 100 per cent comfortable... Not many guys are perfect this week. But it was a good week for me anyways to come here and practise with the best, play a couple of matches. At least gives me some information, if I'm trying to be a bit positive right now.”

Federer held a 5-3 lead in the second set tie-break, only to see Monfils win four straight points to clinch the 6-4, 7-6(5) win.

“I never felt at ease, and I never felt the way I wanted to be on the court,” said Federer, who was attempting to record his 200th match win on clay.

“There are many things I could have done better. I could have served better. I could have mixed it up a bit better. Also I didn't play my slice backhand well enough. There are some things I did a little bit better and some other things I didn't do well.  Anyway, I never felt comfortable during the whole match… I only have to accept what went wrong and go from there.”

The 33-year-old Swiss shared that he would return home and “practise really hard” ahead of the inaugural TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Open, which gets underway in 11 days, followed by the Mutua Madrid Open.

“I think the only thing I need to do is go out on the court and practise,” he said. “I need to play many hours and see what works best. We will analyse the practice I had on clay and those matches with Seve (Luthi) and (Stefan) Edberg.  We'll try to see what the problems are. I think the important thing is to play well in practice and to play many sets. I'll be able to see what works and what doesn't work.”

It marked just the second time since last year’s Roland Garros that Federer had lost before the quarter-finals of a tournament. Ahead of Monte Carlo, he had made back-to-back final appearances in Dubai (d. Djokovic) and Indian Wells (l. to Djokovic).

“I'm very happy how I worked, how I felt, how my body is, how mentally I feel like I'm in a good place,” said the World No. 2. “It's really my earliest loss besides the Australian Open probably in a year, since Rome last year. I've had a very consistent run. I'm aware of this.

“This is not going to put me under too much. I know it's the first tournament on clay. Of course, I was really hoping to do better because I felt there was an opportunity. Unfortunately, Gaël played well today. It was always going to be a tough match.”

Date: 17th April 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer loses in 3rd round at Monte Carlo

World number two Roger Federer was beaten 6-4, 7-6(5) by local favorite Gael Monfils in the third round of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters on a bad day for the Swiss which also saw Stanislas Wawrinka exit on Thursday.

“It was not the best end to the match,” said Federer. “I should have done better with the break up in the first. I think I did a good job to hang around the second set. I also had chances of my own.

“It remained close, but I never felt like things were really happening the way I wanted them to be going during the whole match.”

The Frenchman imposed early and, despite a strong effort to level the match from Federer, Monfils reeled off four straight points down 3-5 in the tie-break to clinch the victory in one hour and 44 minutes.

“I'm surprised I was able to increase my power so quickly,” said Monfils. “I played solid and I played better than yesterday. I was able to hit hard from the baseline; to be aggressive. I'm very pleased with the match.”

The World No. 18 hit 22 winners to Federer’s 17, while the Swiss struggled with 38 unforced errors and could only capitalise on one of his three break point opportunities.

A four-time finalist in Monte Carlo, Federer was looking to join a small group of players who have won 200 or more ATP World Tour matches on both hard and clay courts. The only other three players to have hit 200 or more wins on hard and clay courts are Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and Tommy Robredo.

The Swiss, who has a 633-129 record on hard courts, now holds a 199-63 record on clay.

Federer has changed his schedule this season to allow more time for training and was not expecting to peak early on the dust. His quest for a second French Open begins on May 24 and he believes he has enough time to make the proper adjustments.

“It was a good week for me anyway to come here and practice with the best, play a couple of matches. At least gives me some information, if I'm trying to be a bit positive right now.

“I'm going to go back to Switzerland and practice really hard, you know, from whatever the plan's going to be from tonight on until Istanbul.

“This is good time I should utilise in the right way. I'm looking forward to that.

“I'm playing Istanbul, Madrid. We'll see what happens with Rome. It was never sure I was going to play that anyway.”

Date: 16th April 2015, Source: ATP, Reuters and AFP

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Federer eased into Monte Carlo third round

Second seed Roger Federer required just 55 minutes to cruise past Jeremy Chardy 6-2, 6-1 on Wednesday for a place in the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters third round.

Federer hit 19 winners to five for Chardy, and made 12 unforced errors to record his 17th victory in 19 matches this year, which includes two ATP World Tour titles in Brisbane and Dubai.

“I thought Jeremy didn’t serve very well, and I felt good on the return,” said Federer.

“So I was in a lot of the service games when he was serving. Then I thought I served well, had a high first serve percentage and was able to control the baseline. On clay, things move ahead very quickly, I must say.

“I've had 10 days of clay training and I feel prepared. It's difficult to make any kind of judgment after a 55minute match, but I'm feeling good at training.”

The 33-year-old Federer, who lost to Chardy at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome last year, was competing for the first time since 22 March, when he finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic in Indian Wells.

Federer is competing at the Monte-Carlo Country Club for the 12th time and is looking to finally lay his hands on the winner’s trophy that has so far eluded him. The Basel native was runner-up in 2006-08, losing out to Rafael Nadal each time, and last year was thwarted in the title match by countryman Stan Wawrinka.

Next up for Federer will be either Gael Monfils or Alexandr Dolgopolov.

Date: 15th April 2015, Source: Monte Carlo and AP

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Federer “feeling good” ahead of Monte Carlo Rolex Masters

Last October, Roger Federer ticked the Shanghai Rolex Masters off his ATP World Tour Masters 1000 checklist. With seven of the nine prestigious events conquered, the World No. 2 hopes it will be 12th time lucky as he descends on the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters in search of his first crown.

A four-time finalist in the Principality, Federer was denied by an in-form Stan Wawrinka in last year’s title match. The Swiss admits that coming up just short of the crown hurt, but he is putting the experience into perspective.

"I was close,” said Federer. “I don't remember if I was two points or three points or four points away. I felt like I had some chances, but I remember Stan getting better. It's something I thought about a whole lot. I was very happy for Stan.

"I like that I played very well throughout the tournament, so I look back more on how good I actually played and the final was a good one. I got quite tired in the third set and also had a horrible cold. I was not feeling like my absolute best, but still I was able to play well. Stan deserved the win because I couldn't cross the finish line in the second set when I had to.

"I know how to put it in perspective. I know what a big win it was for Stan and what a good tournament it was for me. There are reasons to be happy to be honest."

The 23-time ATP World Tour Masters 1000 champion is physically and mentally ready to attack the European clay-court season, after capturing a seventh Dubai title and finishing runner-up to Novak Djokovic at the BNP Paribas Open for a second straight year. Federer says he is recharged after taking three weeks off following Indian Wells.

"I'm feeling good about my game and my fitness,” he added. “It's been good to work on that for the last few weeks. I came here early on Thursday to practise on Centre Court, which is something I haven't always had the chance to do. Clearly I feel I've done all the right things to prepare for the clay court season now.

"For fitness and rest, I had to do it more in blocks (compared to last year). That's why I'm happy I got a vacation behind me. For fitness, I will do another block after Monaco when I come back to Switzerland and I might do some more after Madrid. That's the plan and it will work well for Roland Garros and Wimbledon and beyond."

Federer opens against either Jeremy Chardy or Diego Schwartzman. The Swiss knows both potential opponents well, having fallen to Chardy on the clay of Rome last year and having defeated Schwartzman just last month in Indian Wells.

“This is always the first tournament after seven or so months on hard courts. So far, so good. The draws are always tough in these Masters 1000s. I either play Chardy who was playing in Houston or a qualifier who has won two matches here. I'll follow that closely before I get ready for my first round."

Date: 13th April 2015, Source: ATP

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