US Open 2017: Roger Federer excited to be back at Flushing Meadows
The next act of Roger Federer’s remarkable renaissance starts on Tuesday when the 19-times grand slam champion begins pursuit of a sixth US Open title against American outsider Frances Tiafoe.
The Swiss snapped a five-year barren run at the slams by bagging the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles this year and, in the absence of Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka, is the favourite at Flushing Meadows with an equally resurgent Rafael Nadal.
Although the two rivals, who own 34 majors between them, are on a semi-final collision course, Federer wants to take it one step at a time as he looks to win his first Flushing Meadows title since 2008.
“I don’t think we are both thinking that far ahead,” said Federer, who has never played against Nadal in New York.
The 36-year-old Swiss also needs to adjust to the new surroundings of Arthur Ashe Stadium, where a retractable roof was inaugurated in 2016. Having skipped the US Open last year during a six-month layoff to heal a knee injury, Federer has never played in the revamped arena.
“Excited to play on centre court for the first time with the proper structure and roof now,” he said. “I missed it last year. I’m …read more
