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Federer eyes Paris through tears

By Julian Linden
January 30, 2006 10:14 IST

World number one Roger Federer had hardly wiped away the tears after winning his second Australian Open before he turned his attention to Paris.

Federer was an emotional wreck when he received the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup from Rod Laver in the stadium named after the great Australian following a 5-7, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2 win over unseeded Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis in Sunday's final.

Laver was the last man to hold all four Grand Slams simultaneously and now Federer has the chance to emulate him.

The Swiss master has won the last three Grand Slams after his victories at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2005 and only needs to win this year's French Open to complete his own version of the 'Slam'.

Federer has won seven of his last 11 Grand Slam events although victory on the red clay of Roland Garros has always eluded him.

"Now I've won them twice each at least it puts the pressure on the French," Federer told a news conference.

"I enjoy playing well at Slams. Obviously, I know the importance of winning the French, what it would do to my career.

"But, again, Wimbledon is the one for me and if I keep on winning Wimbledon and not the French, I'm very happy about that, too. So that's no problem."

Federer would need to win all four majors in the same year to complete the coveted 'Grand Slam', which Laver did in 1962 and 1969.

However, the topic has been open to debate since Serena Williams completed a non-calendar year Slam and Tiger Woods did the same in golf.

"Winning three or four or two in a row is a fantastic effort, so I'm going for four. That would be fantastic," Federer told a news conference.

"The French obviously is the one that's not been possible for me so far, but I believe I've also only given myself one chance to win and that was last year and that was pretty good.

"I didn't play great but made it to the semis. We're still a few months away - I hope I stay healthy so I get a chance to do it."

CAREER TALLY

Laver, speaking at a press conference before Federer's win over Baghdatis, said he believed the Swiss had the ability to win four in a row and would eventually pass Pete Sampras' career tally of 14 Grand Slam titles. Federer currently has seven.

"That's a pretty good start and he's only 24," Laver said.

"The main thing is that he just looks like he's enjoying the game and it's not pressure.

"He's just playing the game and when it doesn't work, he tries something else. He finds a way to win.

"I think age is not really an issue when you're looking at someone like Roger. He could be 31, 32 and be winning matches if the desire's there."

Federer is joint 11th on the list of men's Grand Slam singles winners. Sampras tops the distinguished list with 14 ahead of Roy Emerson (12), Bjorn Borg (11) and Laver (11).

Federer is among eight players on seven, including John Newcombe, John McEnroe and Mats Wilander, and one ahead of another group that includes his childhood heroes Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg.

"I've left my idols behind me now. That means something, you know.

"I'm definitely on a great roll at the moment but don't forget it's been a tough road for me.

"I amaze myself every time I do well. I've been so consistent, winning so many Slams, it's quite incredible.

"I'll just try to keep it up, stay healthy and keep enjoying it, because that's what I'm doing, and I think that's what makes me play well."

Julian Linden
Source: REUTERS
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