Roger Federer admits that he’s anxious despite training hard ahead of Cincinnati

Federer has proved all his naysayers wrong as he became the oldest player aged 36 years and 195 days, to be ranked at number one after he won the Australian Open earlier this year. But he dropped to number two after long-time rival Rafael Nadal usurped him to number one in the list after wins at the Monte Carlo Masters, Barcelona Open, and the French Open. Federer failed to defend his Wimbledon title this year as he lost in the quarter finals against South African Kevin Anderson in five sets, despite winning the first two sets and having a match point in the third set. The 36-year old revealed that he was a bit anxious ahead of his return to the hard-court at the Cincinnati Masters this month.

“I’ve trained hard, I’m anxious. I chose to skip Toronto for the health of my body. I don’t want to be hurt, there is too much to play.

“Watching from afar is tough, But that’s part of growing older, you’ve got to take care of the body. It’s nice to be back and I hope to have a good tournament,” said Federer, who will start against Peter Gojowczyk after the German beat Portugal’s Joao Sousa 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.

The 20-time grand slam winner also added that it was important for him to take breaks at this point in his career in order to prolong it. Federer last played a match on hard court 141 days ago, when he lost in the Miami Open’s second round to Thanasi Kokkinakis before he skipping the French Open, only to return on grass in this year’s Wimbledon.

“You’ve got to keep it all in perspective, it’s easier now for me to take time away. I wish I could play everything but it’s not possible.

“I’m more relaxed about my schedule now. I have more time for the family, which is important for me. The hectic part of my life has passed. Even when I have to take time away, I still get something out of it,” added Federer.