Federer deflects attention to Nadal, Djokovic in Australia
MELBOURNE, Australia — Roger Federer prefers to think of Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic as the favourites for the Australian Open title, despite entering as defending champion and coming off a worry-free preparation.
“I play down my chances just because I don’t think a 36-year-old should be a favourite of a tournament,” Federer said Sunday on the eve of the year’s first Grand Slam tournament, “It should not be the case.
“That’s why I see things more relaxed, you know, at a later stage of my career.”
The 19-time major winner can afford to relax slightly longer, given the half of the draw that he shares with Djokovic doesn’t start until day two. Top-ranked Nadal will get under way Monday night against Victor Estrella Burgos on Rod Laver Arena, where he lost the final in five sets to Federer last year.