Federer keen to renew rivalry with Nadal
Friday, 13 March 2009
INDIAN WELLS, Mar 12(AFP): Roger Federer, bested by Rafael Nadal in a five-set final at the Australian Open in January, is keen to renew his rivalry with his Spanish foe at the Indian Wells Masters series.
Federer's appearance in the California desert, where men's play begins Thursday, marks his first tournament since falling to Nadal in Melbourne, as the 13-time Grand Slam champion nursed a nagging back injury.
Now he said he's rested and ready to bid for a fourth title in the event he won in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
"I love playing matches against him, especially those five-setters, seeing if I can hang with him physically without a problem," Federer said Wednesday. "He's the greatest challenger I've ever had.
"I am really motivated because I don't know how much better he can play," Federer added. "I don't know how much better I can play, but I am right there and he's playing the tennis of his life."
Nadal's victory in the first Grand Slam of the year marked the Spaniard's first hardcourt Grand Slam triumph.
He also denied Federer a record-equalling 14th Grand Slam crown. But the 27-year- old Swiss, who broke down in tears in the wake of that defeat, said he wasn't unhappy with his performance there.
"I thought I played a great match for four-and-a-half sets," he said. "I think I played great off the baseline, I just didn't serve great and I think that cost me the match also."
Federer's appearance in the California desert, where men's play begins Thursday, marks his first tournament since falling to Nadal in Melbourne, as the 13-time Grand Slam champion nursed a nagging back injury.
Now he said he's rested and ready to bid for a fourth title in the event he won in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
"I love playing matches against him, especially those five-setters, seeing if I can hang with him physically without a problem," Federer said Wednesday. "He's the greatest challenger I've ever had.
"I am really motivated because I don't know how much better he can play," Federer added. "I don't know how much better I can play, but I am right there and he's playing the tennis of his life."
Nadal's victory in the first Grand Slam of the year marked the Spaniard's first hardcourt Grand Slam triumph.
He also denied Federer a record-equalling 14th Grand Slam crown. But the 27-year- old Swiss, who broke down in tears in the wake of that defeat, said he wasn't unhappy with his performance there.
"I thought I played a great match for four-and-a-half sets," he said. "I think I played great off the baseline, I just didn't serve great and I think that cost me the match also."