Roger Federer is one of the best five clay-courters in Open Era - Courier
In an interview to the Sunday Age, the former world No. 1 Jim Courier commented on Roger Federer's choice to play on clay again. The Swiss will be back on track next week in Madrid prior to the French Open. “Only Roger knows for sure why he is adding clay back to his schedule but I believe there are a few good reasons", said the American. "One, he must feel confident enough in his back to play on clay again. His fitness coach has said that clay is the surface that caused his back the most trouble in recent years so they were avoiding it to protect his body. Two, he missed playing at Roland Garros. Three, by playing a few clay events he will be sharper at the start of the grass court season.”
Courier added: "Roger’s overall clay court win percentage is exceptional. He has reached the French Open final five times, winning once and losing to Nadal in the other four. In the Open Era, he is in my top five.”
The former world No. 1 Todd Woodbridge concluded: "It says that physically he’s actually feeling well. The last couple of years there was a bit of protection [for him] in terms of [his] back and not overdoing it when he came back when we maybe thought he wouldn’t get back with injuries and age. I think it’s a statement to say physically he’s good. It’s very important to not be away from tournament play for that long. I don’t think it [playing again at Roland Garros] is about necessarily winning the French, mind you, he’s still capable I believe."
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2UO55M9
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