Former top-50 player says Roger Federer was less tense in front of Sampras
In an interview with Sky Sport, the former world no. 39 Laura Golarsa commented on Roger Federer defeating Peter Gojowczyk in the Indian Wells opening round. "He started the tournament pretty well. The German may have been influenced in the first set by not being used to play against the likes of Federer, and in the second set he started playing better. Finishing 6-1, 6-1 for a strong player is not very good so 6-1, 7-5 is okay for him. Because you have to live the match at a higher intensity heading into the tournament. Federer played well," said Golarsa.
Both Novak Djokovic's match against Bjorn Fratangelo and Federer's against Gojowczyk were attended by the 14-time Grand Slam winner Pete Sampras. "Djokovic got even more emotional, he said he could barely play! Federer barely saw Pete during the match and everyone had told him that Sampras was there. He was a great champion, it's always nice to see a champion like Pete watches Federer and Djokovic's matches."
On Rafael Nadal's win over Jared Donaldson, Golarsa added: "Such an easy match never makes you very satisfied. It's true you did not struggle but he now faces Schwartzman who he struggled with in the past. Diego always gives the ball back, it's a hard match, Rafa can take more rhythm. I think he will get a more competitive match."
Djokovic lost to Philipp Kohlschreiber in the third round.
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2UEBIwG
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