Roger Federer says he isn’t afraid of rivals beating his grand slam record
He’s the most successful men’s tennis player in history but as Roger Federer gears up for the Australian Open, the Swiss Maestro has revealed he isn’t worried if his rivals beat his grand slam record.
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Roger Federer says he isn’t afraid to lose his standing as the men’s tennis grand slam record holder.
The Swiss master has won 20 grand slam titles with Rafael Nadal on 19 and Novak Djokovic on 16.
Speaking for the first time ahead of the Australian Open, Federer said he was simply focused on having the best career he could.
“I also am aware that maybe at 38 I shouldn’t be the favourite, or the overwhelming favourite,’’ he said.
“It should be somebody else, probably somebody in their 20s. The three of us are able to stay and be the top favourites which is great for us anyway. Everybody has their own career, Rafa’s done it his way and Novak his other way … and at the end we can look back and be very proud of what we’ve achieved.
“At the time it was a big deal for me to equal Pete (Sampras)’s record and maybe of course even break it, but ever since it’s been about trying to add what I can to the tally.
“I enjoying playing tennis, I love it, I hope I can still play for a little longer and if I can add more grand slams that’s great, but it’s not trying to fend off the others. If they pass me that’s OK.”
Federer, who has won six Australian Open titles, appeared alongside Australian golf star Adam Scott for their mutual sponsor Uniqlo.
They had a hit of tennis with some kids at Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club.
Both spoke of their sadness at seeing the effects of bushfires, with Federer playing in Wednesday night’s Rally for Relief event at Rod Laver Arena.
“It’s nice to show solidarity and help with a situation that has become quite incredible in this country,’’ Federer said.
“I don’t know when’s the last time we’ve seen bushfire like this. We also need to look to prevention in the future because there will always be fires, I understand that. I’ll be playing the match on Wednesday, it was always logical the tournament would try to organise it.
“I will also be making a donation personally on Wednesday. This country has given me everything and more in the past so it’s only normal for me to help.”
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Scott added: “It’s really touched everyone around the world which is incredible.
“To see how much everyone has these feelings for this country that have been here, like Roger and enjoyed it, is really great. Obviously we need to let the emergency services do their work. This is going to be a long term thing and watching the support is heart warming as a human being. Hopefully later in the year when the golfers come back around we can do something then because it’s going to be a long term thing.”