LONDON: Roger Federer insists he is capable of surviving a nightmare draw at Wimbledon as the defending champion prepares to launch his bid for a record eighth title at the All England Club.
After a relatively barren year, Federer arrives at the grass-court Grand Slam in the unusual position of being seen by many pundits as the least likely of the big four to leave with the title.
The Swiss legend faces a gruelling draw that will leave him needing to beat Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic if he is to pass Pete Sampras as the most decorated All England Club champion.
The 31-year-old father is convinced he can prove the critics wrong with another triumph at the tournament he regards as a home from home.
“It was never supposed to be easy winning Grand Slams. I’m ready for the challenge,” Federer said yesterday.
“I like tough draws. I don’t shy away from them. There’s no control over it anyway. That’s up to the draw to decide.
“I have a very difficult draw with Rafa being in my quarter. But my focus is on the first round. If you want to win the tournament here, you anyway have to beat the best. That’s what I’m here for.”
AFP
