Roger Federer insists he is putting no pressure on himself
Roger Federer insists he is putting no pressure on himself to win a
Roger Federer
calendar Grand Slam.
No man has won all four majors in the same year since Rod Laver achieved the feat in 1969.
Federer has won a record 16 Grand Slams and the manner of his dominance in winning the Australian Open has prompted speculation that he could match Laver this year.
It may be his best chance – at the age of 28 and with Rafael Nadal – so often his French Open nemesis – struggling with injuries.
But Federer is refusing to make that his goal for 2010. He said: “I won’t put the entire calendar just around trying to win the calendar Grand Slam.
“It’s something if it happens, it’s great, but it’s not something that’s my number one goal. Whatever happens, happens.”
Untroubled
Unlike his rivals, Federer is relatively untroubled by injury and could even still be at the top well into his 30s.
He added: “My game is not as taxing as other players’ games. I also think I have a very relaxed mind when it comes to the game of tennis.
“I really want to try to enjoy my end to my career, because I’ve reached already so many goals I thought were never possible. I really want to enjoy the tour, and that’s what I’m doing at the moment.”
For now, Federer is talking down his Grand Slam chances. But if he retains his title in Paris in June, he will be half way there with his two favourite slams – Wimbledon and the US Open – to come. Then even he may have to acknowledge the pressure.