In 2002, Roger Federer established himself as one of the best players in the world, winning three titles and in the top 10 after the first Masters 1000 crown in Hamburg. The Grand Slam results weren’t there, but the young Swiss did enough to secure his place in the first Masters Cup in Shanghai, where he lost to Lleyton Hewitt in the semi-final.
After competing in 80 games that year, Roger lost a bit of strength, struggled with injuries in the opening weeks of the new season and raised questions about participation in the Australian Open.
In Doha, Roger did not play his best in the first two rounds, losing in the quarterfinals to Jan-Michael Gambill and traveling to Sydney, where he won the title a year ago. The Swiss was unable to repeat that result after suffering a 6-2, 6-3 loss to Franco Squillari in the first round in quick 54 minutes, creating just one break opportunity and breaking four times to propel the opponent.
After the match, Roger admitted that he was not 100% physically, dealing with leg injuries in the early days of the season, but still hoping to compete in the next Australian Open.
Roger Federer struggled with injuries in early 2003.
“Some losses hurt more than others, that’s for sure. If you suffer a close loss in three or five sets, it hurts more than losing in straight sets like today.
Still, I don’t think it will change much if it’s a pre-Grand Slam event. You use those little tournaments as preparation, but a loss is a loss, and I feel disappointed. He should have done a better job being the defending champion.
I’m not that good physically; My legs are already hurting since Doha, and today I struggled with my serve. The right groin bothers me a bit. I couldn’t serve 100%. I haven’t been practicing as much between my loss in Doha and here.
I thought the pain was gone, but it came back during the game. I have to make sure I get the treatment now, hoping it won’t bother me at the Australian Open. I would have retired if it had been more serious.
I can still walk, and as long as I can play a bit, I will go to the court. I’m not thinking of retiring from the Australian Open. I don’t see Squillari often; he usually plays on clay and I play on an indoor court.
He lags far behind and moves very well. His passing shots worked well today, and he came up with some good shots, which made it difficult for me, “said Roger Federer.
–
