In Roger Federer's words: 'It's not easy to step in and beat these guys every time'

In 2002, Roger Federer claimed the first Masters 1000 title, entered the top-10 and secured a place at the Masters Cup where he reached the semi-final. The young Swiss was ready for another exciting season in 2003, although he had to make a slow start due to a groin injury that sent him out early from Doha and Sydney. Roger reached the fourth round at the Australian Open, losing to David Nalbandian for the third time in as many pro encounters and bouncing back in February to hit the winning course again. He delivered two singles victories against the Netherlands in the Davis Cup and won the title in Marseille, followed by another semi-final in Rotterdam.

Standing as one of the favorites in Dubai as well, the Swiss beat five rivals in straight sets for the second title in three tournaments and 20 ATP wins on his tally, the most of the season ahead of the first Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells. There, Roger survived a stern test from Felix Mantilla in the first match, dropping the opener in the tie break before scoring a decisive break in set number two that gave him momentum, controlling the result before the Spaniard retired while trailing 4-1 in the third set. After the match, Federer spoke about the pressure that every player from the top carries in every encounter, mentioning high expectations from the fans and praising the rivals while saying it is impossible to beat them all every single time. 

"When you are in the top-5, like me at the moment, the focus is on you and the pressure of expectations is always there. I won two of the last three tournaments and I have the most wins on tour; people expect things from me and I feel that in the crowd as well. They were surprised when I lost the first set against Mantilla but there are a lot of great players out there. It's not easy to step on the court and beat those guys every time. You maybe feel a little bit of extra pressure but not me, not at the moment."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2VW2hk6