The Hindu : Sport : The pressure mounts but Federer is ready

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Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006

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The pressure mounts but Federer is ready

The year hasn't even properly begun and already the Swiss is being asked about the Grand Slam, writes Rohit Brijnath.

— Photo: Ryan Pierse

WHAT'S IT MATE? Roddick, who has lost often to Federer, must be quite eager to know the weakness of the Swiss star.

Gael Monfils' sinewy body squirms, his gentle young face reflects embarrassment. Here in Melbourne, this gifted teenage Frenchman, just last weekend a finalist in Doha against Roger Federer, is asked, somewhat in jest, if he's noted any weakness in the Swiss' game. Ahem. This is like a novice artist being asked if he has discovered a flaw in Michelangelo's work.

Monfils is rescued from his speechlessness by Federer himself. "Don't say," the champion smilingly interjects. No, "speak up" commands a laughing Andy Roddick. It's a meet-the-press before the Kooyong Classic, the final warm-up for the Australian Open, and the mood is generous.

The New Year has dawned and everything old is new again. Repaired bodies walk lightly, defeat has yet to corrode self-belief, doubt has not yet begun to wear away at their youth. By mid-year this eager shine that illuminates the players' faces will have dimmed for many; everyone carries hope, but some will find disappointment.

Intriguing question

Amidst the gentle enquiries and programmed replies, still that one question to Monfils is intriguing in its suggestion. Weakness? Federer? Where? Of course, Federer is all blood and gristle, with a foot that has just recovered from injury, but he is forced by us to play superman.

It helps that Federer is a grounded fellow, for, he wears our exaggeration lightly. Great players wear burdens and his is one of invincibility. He must know he isn't invincible, yet believe on court that he is. He will find strength in his pre-eminence, but is aware he is fallible. His reputation is worth a few points, but an entire tournament must eventually be earned.

Incredible standard

The year hasn't even properly begun and already he is asked about the Grand Slam. He thinks he's being questioned about the Australian Open, till it dawns on him that the query is about winning all four this year. This man has become a prisoner of his own incredible standard. Still, he smiles indulgently, and says: "We'll know in three weeks' time if it's still an issue."

Later, he is told he is the shortest-priced favourite ever in the history of the Open, and is asked, "Is the game over already?" as if such a thing were possible. Federer shrugs, this isn't new for him. Last year, he says, they were declaring "I already won the tournament before I even started to play." No one, not even him, just shows up and wins. To think it is an absurdity.

Federer's secret is not hidden in some invisible gene; no, his greatness is built on a relentless practice regime that brought him to Australia to learn with Tony Roche during Christmas. Champions are identified not merely by their skills, but by their appetites. Success does not diminish their hunger, only stokes it; they like the taste of glory and are willing to sweat for it.

Two of a kind

Last week, in his newsletter, Tiger Woods wrote: "People keep asking me if I can improve. Are you kidding? You never get there." Federer is his echo. Domination for both men has been born of an uncompromising polishing of their craft.

When asked to compare himself as a player in 2005 as opposed to 2004, Federer said: "I think it was the experience I gained through all the years, especially 2004 while playing without a coach, that helped me a lot. I think you understand the game better and you're more sure of what you've got to do in the right moments.

"I have to keep improving as the guys are improving, too, and they obviously want to beat you, they come up with new stuff too and I've always got to be ready for them."

What Roger Federer is saying is that there can be no guarantee he will win the Australian Open. What he can guarantee is that he will be prepared.

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