Roger Federer Reveals Strategy to Beat Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal has denied Roger Federer the opportunity to improve the record numbers on his resume, time and time again. However, the Swiss has been having Rafael Nadal’s number of late, and in an exclusive interview, with the Today Show at the Australian Open 2019, Federer revealed how he has managed to turn things around against an opponent who has caused him multiple problems.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have been drawn to meet in the semi-finals of the Australian Open 2019. Despite the long road ahead, the fans are excited about the prospect of watching yet another Rafa-Roger match. Federer himself is excited about meeting the Spaniard again in Melbourne. Federer thinks that the key to succeed against Rafael Nadal, is to focus on the game and not the player himself.

“For me to look over and see Rafa reminds me of all the difficult moments I’ve had on the tennis court(against him), you know,’ said Roger Federer.

“But if I only look at the ball, it’s just another tennis ball so that’s why I try to remind myself- play the ball! Know what you want to do, and don’t do silly things”, he added.

However, he recognized the fact, that Nadal is not just any other ordinary player, and the ball comes back with much more action on it, when compared to the rest of the players.

‘He’s got extra spin, extra fight, extra will, and that’s what makes the challenge so beautiful,’ said Roger Federer.

Despite having an impressive season in 2018, the Swiss was not happy with the second half of the season, in which Novak Djokovic swept across most of the tournaments. ‘I think I lost some matches maybe I shouldn’t have but that’s how it goes sometimes,’ Roger said.

However, Federer has started his 2019 season on a high, after guiding Switzerland to yet another Hopman Cup victory alongside his compatriot Belinda Bencic. He has been enjoying his time in Australia, and looks relaxed at the Australian Open. The defending champion appreciated the tournament for its hospitality and the facilities that they have been providing.He was asked if there is anything he does not like about the ‘happy slam’.

The defending champion replied with a smile- “Where do we start?”

‘No, no, no I’m joking,‘ he adds with a naughty laugh.  “I think the thing is- here at the Australian Open, and look, I call it the happiest land, it’s a great, great event…. the only hard part here is, is that there is 300 players and 300 coaches and guests and more and this and that”, said Federer, pointing out that the off-court obligations with news channels, media and other representatives was sometimes a little too much.

Federer will face the Brit Dan Evans in his second round on Wednesday.