Roger Federer: 'The opponent is not the enemy, he makes you improve'
In an interview to L'Equipe, Roger Federer explained why he has low expectations heading into the French Open. The Swiss player said: "I started the season well, I know on clay everything is possible but I think I have more rivals there. I am in a good shape but it's tougher to handle the result, honestly, it's a good thing to come to the French Open with much less expectations. This year the comeback makes it even funnier. After the finals lost and the support I always had during those 15 years it's great. That's why I cannot ask more. It's in my top 3. They wanted me to win, it was a bit like the guy who deserves it."
The Basel native also commented on how to be a fair sportsman: "For a tennis player it may mean fair play but off-court behaviour too. For me, the most important thing is that they know that the opponent is not an enemy, he is the one who makes you improve, who makes you see the mistakes in your game. A better player and a better person. It's important for the young guys to feel that, but also respect for parents, coaches, be positive in life, it may be easier to stay like that."
Meanwhile, Gael Monfils commented on his physical shape: "I rested. I had some MRIs, block tests to see what my body was doing, and then I started training. I had two major training sessions with Stan at home for the tournament in Geneva. After that, we came a bit earlier to Roland Garros this year. I wanted to come here on Friday, but we arrived on Wednesday. So I would say the same thing: Exercising, training, spending more time taking care of my body."
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2WpfDGy
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