 | Born: 8/8/81 Nationality: Swiss Seeded: 2 World ranking: 2 US Open best:
4th round (2001 & 2000) Recent record:
2002: 4th round
2001: 4th round
2000: 3rd round |
Federer finally became a Grand Slam champion at Wimbledon in July and so arrives at Flushing Meadows with nothing to prove. After playing under considerable pressure for several years the Swiss should now be in relaxed mood, and that will make him more dangerous than ever.
He silenced the doubters with faultless displays against Andy Roddick and Mark Philippoussis at Wimbledon and a repeat of that kind of form will see him threaten in New York.
Federer certainly has the game to flourish anywhere, as proved by five titles across all four surfaces this season.
But despite briefly moving to the top of the ATP Champions Race in August, there have been warning signs since Wimbledon.
He was deservedly beaten by Roddick in the Montreal Masters semi-finals, and his concentration seemed to be elsewhere when losing to David Nalbandian in Cincinnati the following week.
Few would doubt Federer can win at Flushing Meadows but, with fewer quick service winners on offer than at Wimbledon, his mind can still wander as the rallies get longer.
MMIX
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