Federer looks to improve
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
ByEurosport
Published 19/04/2006 at 06:36 GMT
Ahead of Wednesday's second round match-up with Spain's Alberto Martin, Roger Federer knows his clay court game needs improvement. But the number one seed at this year's Monte Carlo Masters tournament believes his form will come with games.
TENNIS - 2006 Miami Masters - Federer 2nd rnd
Image credit: Reuters
Federer overcame the challenge of Novak Djokovic in the first round, but the world number one was pushed all the way by the young Serbian, leading to a certain amount of reflection on his game.
"Right now I'm trying to figure out what is the best way for me to play and try to get as many matches as possible and just get time on the clay really," Federer said.
"The more I do that, I think the more sure I get about just sliding on clay, the points, how they're being played and everything.
"It's something very interesting to change again after basically eight months on hard courts. To be able to back it up with a win (on Monday) was excellent because coming from all the wins I've had, it's never easy.
"You get down on yourself sometimes. So I'm very happy with the way I competed (against Djokovic).
COZY ATMOSPHERE
Martin, who beat Croat Ivo Karlovic in two sets in the first round, will be no walkover for Federer, who can expect another tough game at the Monte Carlo Country Club, a venue where Federer enjoys playing.
"Just a very tiny place, which is very intense," Federer said. "There's a nice, cozy atmosphere I would say.
"With the ocean and the mountains close by and the different countries surrounding this place, it makes it quite a unique sort of city and country at the same time.
"It's a different atmosphere also in the stands. Sometimes you are surprised how loud they are; sometimes you are surprised how much they are behind you, and then behind the opponent.
"It totally depends on their mood. It's always a different mood every day you come out, and I think that's pretty special here in Europe.
In other matches on Wednesday, Monegasque wild card Jean-René Lisnard faces holder Rafael Nadal, whilst third seed David Nalbandian comes up against Andrea Seppi in the day's opening match on the Court Central.
Follow all the action from Monte Carlo right here LIVE on eurosport.com from 10:00 cet on Wednesday!
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement