Federer Believing in Form as Hard-Courts Beckon

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Federer Believing in Form as Hard-Courts Beckon

Roger Federer says he’s a better player now than he was a decade ago, and while his 81-4 record in the 2005 season might tell a different story, it’s hard to argue with the assessment that the six-time Cincinnati champion offered reporters on Sunday at a press conference ahead of this week’s Western and Southern Open.

More: Bencic Rolls to Biggest Title of Career

“I think I'm a better player now than when I was at 24 because I've practiced for another 10 years and I've got 10 years more experience,” Federer said, according to ATPWorldTour.com “Maybe I don't have the confidence level that I had at 24 when I was winning 40 matches in a row, but I feel like I hit a bigger serve, my backhand is better, my forehand is still as good as it's ever been, I volley better than I have in the past. I think I've had to adapt to a new generation of players again.”

Read more about Federer at ATPWorldTour.com

Federer, who turned 34 on August 8, drops to No. 3 in the ATP rankings this week behind Andy Murray. The Swiss maestro has had a solid year on all surfaces nonetheless. He's 40-7 for the season and 16-2 on hard courts, with titles at Brisbane, Dubai, Istanbul and Halle.

The five-time U.S. Open champion will put his theories to the test when he meets either Pablo Cuevas or Roberto Bautista Agut in the second-round later this week. Federer could face Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals.

Federer, who will bid to win a seventh title at a tournament for the fourth time at Cincinnati (also: Halle, 8, Wimbledon and Dubai, 7) says he’s feeling fresher than last year, when he battled past David Ferrer in a three-set final to win his sixth Western and Southern Open crown. “Last year I came in tired from five straight matches in Toronto,” he said. “I arrived late and wasn't sure if I was going to play. Thankfully I did and ended up winning here. Now I've had plenty of time. I'm fresh and eager to play and can't wait for the tournament to start.”

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