In just a few days, Roger Federer has already fit a lot into his first visit to the Brisbane International: he’s cuddled koalas, enjoyed a special dinner with Australian legend Rod Laver, practised with Lleyton Hewitt and created a memorable experience for adoring young fans on the MLC Tennis Hot Shots court.
But now it gets more serious for the 17-time Grand Slam champion, who kicks off the singles side of his 16th season on tour with tonight’s second-round meeting with Jarkko Nieminen. And having anticipated the occasion for months, fans can expect to be rewarded with the Swiss Maestro at his finest.
As committed as ever despite a career that’s reaped many records and years either atop the rankings or at least extremely close to No.1, Federer has been training hard in the off-season with a team that includes a new part-time coach in Stefan Edberg.
Having grappled with some niggling injuries in the past season, he’s commencing the new one in full health, making some enduring ambitions more attainable.
Already holding the most number of titles for any active player in the men’s game, Federer would dearly love to claim singles title No.78 in Brisbane, providing the perfect springboard to add to his Grand Slam tally. Asked which major seemed most likely for success now, Federer wasn’t fussy.
“I always feel at Wimbledon is going to be my best chance. US Open, Australian Open, and then the French Open,” he said, before allowing a wry smile. “But then again, who cares? It’s up to me to show it, to prove it, and give it a try and give myself opportunities like I have in previous years.”
For now, though, the focus is on Nieminen and despite the fact he’s never lost to the Finn in 13 career meetings, Federer would well understand he’s not an opponent to be taken lightly. In 2012, Nieminen qualified for Sydney and went on to claim the title, which was the second in a long career.
The Swiss star is not the only Grand Slam champion who’ll be wary on Pat Rafter Arena. Two-time Australian Open titlist Victoria Azarenka, who claimed her first-ever career title at Brisbane in 2009, is likely to take a similar approach into her first match of the 2014 season in which she meets favourite Casey Dellacqua in the second night match.
If the West Australian’s positive approach is any measure, she’ll be a tough opponent for Azarenka. “I just feel at this point in my career that I get to play an opponent like Vika is a great opportunity, and I’m going to enjoy the moment in front of the Australian crowd and just try and do what I do well,” said Dellacqua after her three-set win over Galina Voskoboeva on Monday.
There’ll be another keenly watched contest when Matt Ebden meets second seed Kei Nishikori, the Australian having lost to Brisbane’s second seed in a marathon five-setter at Australian Open 2012 and again at Wimbledon in 2013.
Marinko Matosevic will also look to continue his Brisbane run with a win over Sam Querrey in the first match of the day on Pat Rafter Arena. While on Court One, Sabine Lisicki plays her second-round match against Stefanie Voegele, and Angelique Kerber takes on Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in a re-match of their 2013 quarterfinal.
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