15 January,2017 11:10 AM IST | | AFP
Roger Federer said he was clearly an underdog for the Australian Open and admitted to some uncharacteristic nerves on Saturday as he pondered a treacherous draw
Roger Federer
Roger Federer practises at Melbourne Park on Saturday
Melbourne: Roger Federer said he was "clearly an underdog" for the Australian Open and admitted to some uncharacteristic nerves on Saturday as he pondered a treacherous draw.
The 35-year-old, back from a six-month injury lay-off, is seeded 17th at Melbourne Park, complicating his attempt for a record-extending 18th Grand Slam title.
Federer was still in the dark about his first-round opponent as the qualifying rounds continued.
"Is he a lefty, a righty? It's a big deal. Is he a big server, a grinder. "A bit of an unknown here the first round because that's the part of the draw I care most about because of having not been playing," said the Swiss.
Federer's path is strewn with hazards, as he faces potential matches with Tomas Berdych and Kei Nishikori before a possible quarter-final with World No. 1 Andy Murray.
Federer is on a comeback from the longest injury break of his career, prompted by knee problems, but he's delighted to be back in a Grand Slam draw - even in the unaccustomed role of underdog.
"Yeah, why not (underdog) for a change? I mean, I prefer to be the favourite. Underdog is okay. It's fine," he said.
