Federer confident he can rebound
Swiss tennis great Roger Federer insisted on Monday he is still capable of winning a Grand Slam singles crown despite a relatively poor 2013 season that saw him slip to world No 6.
The 32-year-old won only one title in an injury-riddled 2013, leading many fans to wonder whether he would add to his record tally of 17 Slams.
However, the former world No 1 said he still has the ability to win one of the big four and identified Wimbledon as his best chance.
"Let's say I play my best, probably I always feel that Wimbledon is going to be my best chance," he said when asked which of the four Slams he thought he could win in 2014.
"(Then) the US Open, Australian Open and then the French Open.
"But then again, who cares? It's up to me to show it, to prove it, and give it a try and give myself opportunities like I have before"
Federer, who is playing the Brisbane International for the first time in a change to his Australian Open preparations, recently added former Swedish great Stefan Edberg to his coaching staff.
Edberg was a renowned serve and volleyer, and Federer conceded he would try to incorporate more of that style of play into his game.
"It's going to be interesting to see what he (Edberg) thinks - if it's possible to play a lot of serve and volley on the slower courts we see all around the world now, or if there are different ways for me to find my way to the net," Federer said.
"I've tried many things. We can debate with Severin Luthi, my coach, about ways to come to the net or not.
"Clearly it's important to take time away from your opponent, to dictate play as much as you can.
"Also, you have to be able to not miss too much and physically and mentally stay in the rally as well," he said.
"So it's a combination of many things now against the good players we know at the top."
Federer said he expected Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to dominate the men's game again in 2014, although he said he was pleased to see Andy Murray's return from injury.
- Agence France-Presse
