Federer writes off Djokovic's chances
Source: Agencies |
May 26, 2012, Saturday
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ROGER Federer yesterday backed six-time champion Rafael Nadal to shatter Novak Djokovic's historic bid to become the first man in 43 years to hold all four grand slam titles.
World No. 1 Djokovic already has the Wimbledon, US and Australian open crowns in his possession and a first French Open triumph in two weeks' time would make him the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete the sweep.
But Federer believes that it is Nadal, chasing an unprecedented seventh Roland Garros title, who will be making history here, and not the Serb.
"Rafa is the favorite for me," said Federer, the 2009 champion in Paris. "I think he lost only two sets between Rome, Monte Carlo, and Barcelona, so that's a pretty good start.
"Then he's playing for his seventh title, so no discussion. We're crazy to even talk about this. Some people might say he's not the favorite, but to me he's the favorite. I played him so many times here. I know how incredible he can be here in Roland Garros.
"As for Novak, with all his results lately, he's one of the big favorites. Likewise for me with everything I accomplished. But for me it would be Rafa, Novak, and me in third position."
Djokovic has yet to make the final in Paris and he was keen to shrug off the expectations.
"It would definitely mean the world to me, but I haven't thought about that too much because I do not want to have too much unnecessary pressure."
Nadal was given a smooth-looking path to the final while Djokovic and Federer looked set for a possible semifinal clash in the draw made yesterday. Nadal could face Andy Murray in the semifinals.
In the women's draw, the Roland Garros crowd could be treated to a quarterfinal tie between second seed Maria Sharapova and fifth-seeded Serena Williams.
Defending champion Li Na, seeded seventh, is in the same half of the draw and takes on Romania's Sorana Cirstea in the first round.
World No. 1 Djokovic already has the Wimbledon, US and Australian open crowns in his possession and a first French Open triumph in two weeks' time would make him the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete the sweep.
But Federer believes that it is Nadal, chasing an unprecedented seventh Roland Garros title, who will be making history here, and not the Serb.
"Rafa is the favorite for me," said Federer, the 2009 champion in Paris. "I think he lost only two sets between Rome, Monte Carlo, and Barcelona, so that's a pretty good start.
"Then he's playing for his seventh title, so no discussion. We're crazy to even talk about this. Some people might say he's not the favorite, but to me he's the favorite. I played him so many times here. I know how incredible he can be here in Roland Garros.
"As for Novak, with all his results lately, he's one of the big favorites. Likewise for me with everything I accomplished. But for me it would be Rafa, Novak, and me in third position."
Djokovic has yet to make the final in Paris and he was keen to shrug off the expectations.
"It would definitely mean the world to me, but I haven't thought about that too much because I do not want to have too much unnecessary pressure."
Nadal was given a smooth-looking path to the final while Djokovic and Federer looked set for a possible semifinal clash in the draw made yesterday. Nadal could face Andy Murray in the semifinals.
In the women's draw, the Roland Garros crowd could be treated to a quarterfinal tie between second seed Maria Sharapova and fifth-seeded Serena Williams.
Defending champion Li Na, seeded seventh, is in the same half of the draw and takes on Romania's Sorana Cirstea in the first round.
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