World number one Roger Federer is planning to continue his
domination of the sport for another five years at least.
"I enjoy the battle so much on the tennis court with my
opponent, practice is also fun," the 25-year-old Swiss player told
Reuters in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday.
"But playing in front of all the fans, enjoying the applause and
everything, that's what will keep me going in tennis for at least
the next five years."
For now, though, Federer has his sights firmly set on matching
Swede Bjorn Borg's achievement of five successive Wimbledon titles
from 1976-80.
"To equal Borg's five-in-a-row would be a dream come true," he
said after being unveiled in Dubai alongside Arsenal and France
striker Thierry Henry and world number one golfer Tiger Woods as
Gillette's newest brand ambassadors.
"But I am not there yet so I have to just hope I can keep my run
going and stay injury free."
Federer holds 10 grand slam titles, four consecutive Wimbledons
(2003-2006), three U.S. Opens and three Australian Opens.
"The last three or four seasons have been phenomenal," he
said.
Federer began his 2007 campaign in style, winning the first
grand slam of the year in Australia last Sunday.
"To come out and not lose a set (in the tournament) was
unbelievable," he said.
"The next big goal is the French Open. If I can win that
tournament, that would mean I would have won four consecutive grand
slams."
Federer, hot on the trail of Pete Sampras's record of 14 grand
slam crowns, said his success was made sweeter because of his early
struggles on the ATP Tour.
"I had a lot of losses early in my career, I was sad and
disappointed with some of those matches," he said.
"To finally overcome all those things and become such a great
player is something I never thought possible. I am enjoying every
moment of it right now."
(China Daily via Reuters February 5, 2007)