But while others have a troubled buildup to the year’s opening Grand Slam, Federer is enjoying an unruffled lead in to the Open and is at peace with the world.”It just seems that it’s nice that it’s never actually gone away, the fun aspect of actually enjoying the travel, coming back to Australia”, Federer said ahead of his first round clash tomorrow against Slovenia’s Bedene.
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World No 11 Kevin Anderson, who had one of his best seasons last year, beat world No 49 Kyle Edmund in the third round of last year’s French Open.
The first, can Federer and Nadal replicate their magic from last year, and if either of them can win the first major of the year to keep their run going – better still, will it be another Fedal final? “There’s no straight sailing to the quarters or semis”.
The dawning of a new tennis season has in past years triggered lots of confident predictions – whether it be the continued domination of Serena Williams or, in most seasons, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. “I was lucky”, Halep, the top-seed in the women’s draw, said. “It’s up for grabs”.
“I haven’t been spending too much time around the courts”.
Top-ranked Simona Halep is looking to finally win her first major after twice finishing runnerup. “But I feel good”, said the 31-year-old, who played his first Australian Open in 2004. But I feel good. I feel OK. I feel fit. I’m hoping not to get injured.
This time past year, then 17th seeded Roger Federer entered the Australian Open after a.
But the 19-time Grand Slam champion Federer – who missed six months with a knee injury in 2016 – is not sure there is an underlying reason for the glut of absentees. “I like to just stay in my own little bubble and do my own thing”.
“I want to kind of ride the highs, not as high as I usually do”.
There are plenty of other contenders.
And the 26-year-old Romanian, who now has no clothing sponsor, confirmed she would wear the same “lucky” red dress in Australia that she used while registering a dominant victory at the Shenzhen Open a fortnight ago.
The 27-year-old already had reason to be irked by questions about her inability to claim a major at such a relatively early stage of her career.
But it could be former No.1, Angelique Kerber, rising again as she has been the most outstanding player in the New Year.
He went on to add an eighth Wimbledon title later in the year and returned to second in the rankings, behind only Spaniard Nadal. “Brisbane was a great week, but I had to prepare for the Australian Open, and I prepared”.
“There are three or four details that I have changed”, Djokovic said.
He retired during matches four times during 2017, including three in a row at Queen’s Club, Wimbledon and at the ATP tournament in Washington. So, I try to find my way, what can help me to be there, to be ready for the fight.
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The six-time Open champion played his first exhibition matches in six months on Wednesday, and reported delight at his performance – and no pain from the hit-out.
