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Federer express on the way again

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-02 11:06

NEW YORK: Breaking the all-time Grand Slam title record and becoming a father have not dimmed Roger Federer's desire, but time and success have stolen some of the world No 1's belief in his invincibility.

Roger Federer of Switzerland greets fans after his victory against Devin Britton of the U.S. at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York August 31, 2009. [Agencies]

Five-time defending champion Federer dispatched US teen Devin Britton 6-1, 6-3, 7-5 in a first-round US Open match on Monday, then admitted that enjoyment and playing to his own high standard have become more important goals lately.

"Try to win again and again. That's what it is," Federer said. "I know tennis is not everything, so it's not a problem. But if I enjoy playing tennis, why should I stop just because I've beaten the all-time Grand Slam record?

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"That is not what tennis is all about. That's not the goal here. It's trying to enjoy, having a great career, being the best maybe in your country. You can set different types of goals. Mine are at a very high level. That's just the difference."

The Swiss star, whose wife gave birth to twins five weeks ago, said his self-belief is not at a peak even after a French Open win to complete a career Grand Slam and Wimbledon victory to take a record 16th Slam singles crown.

AFP