Federer excited by 'Rafa Slam' talks
Source: Agencies |
January 16, 2011, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
EVEN Roger Federer says he's excited to see if No. 1-ranked Rafael Nadal can achieve the greatly hyped "Rafa Slam."
Nadal's quest to win his fourth consecutive grand slam at the Australian Open has shifted the spotlight from Federer, the once unstoppable Swiss who is the defending champion but currently second place in his long rivalry with the Spaniard.
As the new season begins, it is Nadal's turn to chase history. The 24-year-old is bidding to become the first man in 42 years to win four straight grand slam tournaments, since Rod Laver achieved it in 1969.
"It's a very exciting Australian Open, to see if Rafa can do it," Federer soberly said yesterday, not looking terribly excited.
"If I get a chance, I hope I can stop him, obviously."
Nadal says he is recovering from a cold but is "not perfect yet."
"I'm better than a few days ago, so that's very positive," said Nadal, who will play his first-round match against Marcos Daniel of Brazil.
"I hope (it's) not going to be a problem for Monday or Tuesday. I don't know yet."
Nadal's been asked so many times about how it would feel to win a "Rafa Slam," he doesn't want to discuss it anymore.
"I think is better if we continue with another question because for me, seriously, I can't answer this question," he said. Last year was a phenomenal one for Nadal. He won the 2010 French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, bringing his grand slam trophy count to nine.
Federer shrugged off a question about whether all the attention on Nadal has stoked his desire to reclaim the top ranking.
"Look, I think it's unbelievable what Rafa's been able to do. That in some ways makes him the favorite for this tournament," Federer said.
Nadal disagreed.
"No, for sure, No!" Nadal said.
Nadal's quest to win his fourth consecutive grand slam at the Australian Open has shifted the spotlight from Federer, the once unstoppable Swiss who is the defending champion but currently second place in his long rivalry with the Spaniard.
As the new season begins, it is Nadal's turn to chase history. The 24-year-old is bidding to become the first man in 42 years to win four straight grand slam tournaments, since Rod Laver achieved it in 1969.
"It's a very exciting Australian Open, to see if Rafa can do it," Federer soberly said yesterday, not looking terribly excited.
"If I get a chance, I hope I can stop him, obviously."
Nadal says he is recovering from a cold but is "not perfect yet."
"I'm better than a few days ago, so that's very positive," said Nadal, who will play his first-round match against Marcos Daniel of Brazil.
"I hope (it's) not going to be a problem for Monday or Tuesday. I don't know yet."
Nadal's been asked so many times about how it would feel to win a "Rafa Slam," he doesn't want to discuss it anymore.
"I think is better if we continue with another question because for me, seriously, I can't answer this question," he said. Last year was a phenomenal one for Nadal. He won the 2010 French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, bringing his grand slam trophy count to nine.
Federer shrugged off a question about whether all the attention on Nadal has stoked his desire to reclaim the top ranking.
"Look, I think it's unbelievable what Rafa's been able to do. That in some ways makes him the favorite for this tournament," Federer said.
Nadal disagreed.
"No, for sure, No!" Nadal said.
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