Melbourne, Feb 1 (DPA) Roger Federer admits that superb tennis genes deserve much of the credit for his world-beating success after winning a fourth Australian Open title in straight sets over Briton Andy Murray.
“There’s no secret behind it,” said the Swiss player with a light-hearted comment that drew a laugh after his record 16th major title. “I mean, definitely a very talented player….
“I always knew I had something special, but I didn’t know it was like, that crazy.”
The clinical finals victory left Britain still searching for a men’s Grand Slam title after 74 years, with Murray still the top candidate to eventually lift that honour.
Federer believes that his 22-year-old opponent has potential to lift a major title even after beating the Scot in a second Grand Slam final following a three-set win at the US Open two years ago.
“He’s a wonderful mover, tactician, great backhand,” said Federer, seen by many as the best to ever wield a racket. “He’s got everything you need to beat the best and to win big tournaments.
“Sometimes it just doesn’t happen when you want. Sometimes it all of a sudden happens without you knowing that it did.”
Federer, 28, and firmly entrenched in the number one position ahead of Novak Djokovic with the Murray on third, added: “He’s going through a tough generation at the moment. There’s many guys. You know, I’ve dominated hard court and grass for a long time; Rafa (Nadal) did clay.
“It’s just not an easy thing to do, Grand Slams, and I proved it again tonight. But I think Murray’s extremely strong in his mind, and I just feel like he’s got the game to do it.
“The question is just when.”
Federer’s schedule calls for a pause before resuming in three weeks at the Dubai tournament in his Gulf training base.
And while there was time to celebrate another Melbourne triumph, the Swiss will not be putting his feet up to coast on momentum.
“For the last 10 years I go week in, week out. Every practice I play, I hope I’m going to be healthy on the other side. But my game is not as taxing as other players’ games,” said Federer, whose injuries can be counted on the fingers of one hand.
“I also think I have a very relaxed mind when it comes to the game of tennis. I’ll definitely try my best on the court. I’m professional the way I’m supposed to be.”
But Federer also knows that remaining as the top as he’s done for the last half-decade will grow more and more of a challenge.
“Obviously I’m being pushed a great deal by the new generation coming up. I always feel tennis changes sort of every five years.
“I think that’s also thanks to guys like Murray. They’ve made me a better player, because I think this has been one of my finest performances, in a long time, or maybe forever.”
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