In his last competitive match,
World No. 3 Roger Federer left Rod Laver Arena with the disappointment of
losing to Rafael Nadal in four sets in the semi-finals of the Australian Open
sitting heavily on his shoulders.
Two weeks on, the 30 year old has
regrouped and is preparing to lead Switzerland’s bid to win the Davis Cup
trophy for the first time. The Swiss are set to play the USA this weekend on an
indoor clay-court in Fribourg in the World Group first round.
"I am in a good state
mentally and physically. I have had a great run since last year’s US Open; I
had not lost until the other week," said Federer, who closed the 2011 ATP
World Tour season with 17 successive wins, culminating in victory at the
Barclays ATP World Tour Finals (d. Tsonga) in London.
"It was a good period for
me, and I hope I can get back in winning ways this weekend," continued the
Basel native. "Here in Switzerland, it is nice we got home-court
advantage, and we will try to make the best of it and see where it takes
us."
Switzerland and the USA have
clashed four times in the Davis Cup, with Federer contributing strongly to the
European team’s only victory in 2001. The right-hander was playing in just his
fifth Davis Cup tie and won both his singles rubbers and teamed with Lorenzo
Manta for victory in the doubles as Switzerland triumphed 3-2.
"2001 was a big win for me
and a tough tie within the team for Switzerland, but we came out on top,"
recalled Federer. "I think it was my first emotional outburst on a tennis
court because I was so exhausted on Sunday after my singles, doubles and
singles.
"It definitely got me on
winning ways. I beat [Pete] Sampras at Wimbledon (in five sets). It was the
start of great things for me, and I am happy to be playing in a tie
again."
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