Published 10:57 IST, October 21st 2019
Roger Federer gears up for another landmark with 1500th match
In a career of landmarks, Roger Federer is set for another landmark of 1,500th match when he plays at 10th Basel title in Switzerland where he was a ballboy
In a career of landmarks, Roger Federer is set to play 1,500th match when he plays at 10th Basel title. Federer has made it to the Basel final on his last 12 matches, owns ATP titles this season in Dubai, Miami and Halle. As Federer prepares for 1,500th match, he sent his best wishes to Nadal on his marriage.
'Hope to start strong'
The 38-year-old will aim for his 103rd title against German player Peter Gojowczyk. The 20 times Grand Slam winner has beaten the German twice including defeating Indian Wells last March.
He said that his preparations had to be a little faster than usual as he has to start on October 21 in the wake of Swiss Indoors tournament which he first attended as a ball boy. He said that he has already practised Friday and Saturday in Basel and hopes to really start strong and have a great indoor season.
In spite of not adding to his tally of majors, Federer still stands at 47-8 for the year, a record broken by Nadal whose wins at Roland Garros and US Open have taken him to 19 Grand Slam victories.
Roger Federer had made it to the final at Wimbledon in July where he secured two match points before losing to Novak Djokovic in a five-set match. On October 20, he said that his philosophy about losses has become “forget them and move on.” He said that he will try to keep the highest possible level always. Sometimes it is the opponent, sometimes own mind or game which goes off the boil.
Sends Wishes to Nadal
As Federer prepares for 1,500th Match, he sent his best wishes to Nadal on his marriage. Saying that he was not part of the festivities, he said that he was not invited by Rafael Nadal but he did not expect to be invited either. He said that he congratulated Nadal and hoped that he had the best day of his life. Nadal and his longtime girlfriend Xisca Perello were married on Saturday on their home island of Mallorca.
(With inputs from PTI)
Updated 11:40 IST, October 21st 2019