Fighting fit and ready

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Energetic Federer all set to conquer Stockholm

TOP FORM: Federer hits a return during a practice session at the Stockholm Open in Stockholm. — Reuters photo

STOCKHOLM: An energised Roger Federer Tuesday pronounced himself fighting fit and ready to go as he plays the Stockholm Open for the first time in a decade, beginning his campaign today against American Taylor Dent.

“I’m excited to play straight after Shanghai,” said the world number two, who lost in straight sets to Andy Murray in China at the weekend.

“I have no jet-lag, (coach) Severin (Luthi) and the family are here.

“I had a perfect sleep, I feel energised. I was not too tired after the final and I didn’t have any crazy-hard matches last week, I feel very confident I will be in perfect shape when I start.”

Federer is keen to end his season on a high note over the next six weeks with four events including Stockholm, Basel, Paris and the London year-end finals to go.

His second-round opening opponent Dent booked his place when Pole Michael Przysiezny retired injured after losing the first set 6-2.

Federer beat the American in their only match last season in Miami.

Two Spanish seeds made immediate exits as German Florent Mayer put out number six Feliciano Lopez 6-2, 6-2 while Croatian qualifier Ivan Dodig dispatched number eight Tommy Robredo 6-3, 6-2.

Two-time champion James Blake completed a sweep of seeds with his upset of number seven Thomaz Bellucci 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, thanks to a break in the penultimate game.

The 135th-ranked wild card who has suffered knee and shoulder problems all season, has not played since the US Open.

“It was tough, there was not a lot of rhythm, but I took the chances I had,” said the winner.

“This has not been my best season, I didnt play my best but I won. I feel good about the way I’m playing.”

Federer said that he is pleased to be back in Stockholm a decade after he won his only match here.

“It’s a combination of many things behind this decision.

“But at end of the day I like to play tennis and I’ve not been here in 10 years,” said the 16-time grand slam champion.

“I was supposed to come 2008, but I had a bad back, so it’s nice to come back.”

The indoor event is now run by former Federer rivals Thomas Johansson and Jonas Bjorkman, another compelling reason for the Swiss to appear.

Federer was getting his first taste of what is considered a slow centre court surface at the Kungligahallen in an initial training session.

“I’ve played pretty well since Wimbledon,” said Federer, who has just two titles to his name this season, the Australian Open and the Cincinnati Masters.

“I hope to go deep into this event and hold up the trophy at the end of the week.”

While he professes satisfaction at what by his standards has been a below-par season, the longtime number  one   cannot hide his burning desire to dominate.

“For me there is number one and everything else.

“It’s not too important for me to be two, three or four. I’m always trying to get back to number one, it’s what I’m concentrating on week by week.

“I’ve lost some matches this season that I should have avoided (losing). But you have to keep fighting. I want to make (losing) happen less often.

“But it’s tough among the top four, we’re all good players who have beaten each other numerous times.

I’m actually playing well now. — AFP