Federer fit and raring to go

As Rafael Nadal makes a much-anticipated return to grand slam tennis, Roger Federer will tomorrow begin his 54th consecutive campaign at one of the sport’s big four tournaments.

Not since the US Open in 2000, when the Swiss star was a highly touted 18-year-old, has Federer missed a slam.

Eighteen titles later, the 31-year-old is in sight of the appearance record held by South African Wayne Ferreira, which he should equal at the US Open later this summer.

Aside from a mild case of glandular fever and a troublesome back, Federer has been remarkably free of injury and illness problems, helped by a naturally low-impact game and a carefully considered schedule.

It is another way in which he and great rival Nadal are polar opposites, with the state of the Spaniard’s knees something of a tennis soap opera.

The Spaniard’s latest absence saw him miss the US and Australian Opens. Federer, meanwhile, could not think of one instance where there was ever a slight doubt about his participation.

He said: “There was not even a question ever. I was not even really close to ever missing one, to be honest.

“I never pulled out of any live match. I have only pulled out of two tournaments once I started a tournament in my career. So, for me, it’s just something I’ve kept on doing.

“Now here we are. It’s incredible. I never thought I was going to play that many, have that many opportunities to do well at the slams. And clearly I’m happy about it, but they don’t buy me victories.

“In a slam where you know you’re going to enter best-of-five set matches over two, three weeks, you have to be at your best and you need to feel like you can compete with the best at the highest of levels for a long period of time.

“There are no shortcuts in best-of-five set matches, and that’s where I think I was always up for the challenge, which I’m very happy that I was able to do that for so long, so far.”

Nadal’s dominance on clay has limited Federer to only one French Open title, in 2009, when the Spaniard suffered his only defeat at Roland Garros to Robin Soderling.

Federer is by some distance the third favourite this time behind Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic, although the draw was in his favour as both his main rivals are on the other side.

Federer must not overlook his first opponent, though. Spanish qualifier Pablo Carreno-Busta has won 56 matches this year, including seven Futures titles, climbing from outside the top 600 to 166th in the rankings.

Federer has played only two tournaments on clay this year, with an early loss in Madrid followed by a run to the final in Rome, where he was crushed by Nadal.

It was the seven-time French Open champion’s sixth title from eight tournaments following his lay-off, with both his defeats coming in finals.

Federer thinks Nadal is playing as well as ever, but is also content with his own form.

“His (Nadal’s) level of play compares to what he’s done always,” said the world number three, promoted to second seed following Andy Murray’s withdrawal.

“I think the results show again this year how good he’s playing. It’s nice to see him so strong after his comeback. Eight out of eight finals, it’s amazing. I’m sure he’s very happy and super confident.

“I’m happy about the way I play when I practise, but also during the games. I feel fit and I have a good level of confidence. My confidence came back little by little. I’m at the level I want to have for this tournament.”

The host nation are more desperate than ever for success in the men’s singles 30 years after Yannick Noah became the last Frenchman to lift the trophy.

Sixth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is the main hope, especially after last year’s showing, when he held match points against Djokovic only to lose in five sets.

He said of that match: “It makes me believe I can play them (the top four).

“I’m thinking now that last year I was one point away from being in the last four players in this tournament, so for me it was something positive to know that I was able to keep up with those players in those major competitions on clay.”

Fourth seed David Ferrer joins Federer in beginning his campaign on the opening day, with the Spaniard up against Australia’s Marinko Matosevic.