Federer says he’ll be fit for Australian Open
By DPA, IANSFriday, January 15, 2010
MELBOURNE - Roger Federer has assured that he will be ready to chase another Australian Open title after three-hour training sessions this week at Melbourne Park.
The world number one, who arrived Tuesday in Australia after losing last week in a Doha semi-final to Nikolay Davydenko, has been hitting the practice courts hard.
Federer said his decision to bypass the AAMI Classic at Kooyong club, his usual warm-up event, was made for personal rather than fitness reasons.
“This year is very different,” he said while making an appearance for a chocolate sponsor before Monday’s start of the Grand Slam.
The right forearm that troubled him last week in a loss to Davydenko will not be an issue, Federer said, as he begins the quest for a fourth title at Melbourne Park.
“When I came here, I wanted to enjoy the family, settle into Melbourne and then see where it takes us,” he said. “I’ve had a couple of hits. It’s been good weather.”
The 15-time Grand Slam champion said: “It was a precaution. I’ve played quite a bit of tennis already. I played six matches in eight days in the Middle East.
“My forearm is where it’s supposed to be, and I’m moving well. That’s always important at the beginning of the season. I’m sure it’s going to be fine for the Aussie Open.”
