GroundsPass.net

Hey Tennis Friends!

There is so much action on so many courts, it’s difficult for me to give you a taste of everything that is happening, but . . . here goes:

Today’s web-only exclusive is an excerpt from the transcript of the Q&A with Roger Federer at today’s pre-tournament press conference:

QUESTION: Do you feel any pressure coming into this tournament as the defending champion?

ROGER FEDERER: “Pressure, yeah. I think defending champion should always feel a bit of pressure. There are a lot points you’re trying to defend. You know, you don’t want to lose in the first round kind of thing. It obviously goes with the business.

But I’m happy I feel that. If I would feel, Who cares, let’s see how it goes kind of attitude, I think that’s completely wrong. So I feel like I’m in the right place. I’m excited, nervous of what’s to come this week. That’s kind of how I feel before every tournament.

It’s nice coming back to a place where you did play well. So that gives you confidence, even though, let’s say, I haven’t played, let’s say, a lot the last few weeks and months. You can draw from the year before and the year before that maybe even where you remember you played so well here. Crowds kind of like to see you here.

All these things can have a positive effect on your game. But important is to get through that first round. This is not just a simple first round, so it’s going to be big for the remainder of the tournament, I think.”

The final scores for the matches I mentioned are:

Sara Errani d. Sloane Stephens 6-1, 7-5

Andrea Petkovic d. Jarmila Gajdosova 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-2

For tickets and more information on the Western & Southern Open,
visit their web site here: cincytennis.com

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I’ll see you next time, with more tennis, . . . outside the lines!

– Marcus Tennis