BFF-19 Federer eyes top spot return in Stuttgart

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Federer eyes top spot return in Stuttgart

STUTTGART, Germany, June 11, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Roger Federer said on Monday
his motivation is sky-high as he bids for a possible return to the number one
ranking if he reaches the final at the Stuttgart Cup.

The 36-year-old Swiss, second in the ATP standings behind 11-time French
Open champion Rafael Nadal, has it all to play for this week at the hilltop
Weissenhof club, where he lost a year ago in the first round to longtime
friend and rival Tommy Haas.

After sitting out the clay season to fully rest and prepare for the grass
and last playing match in Miami on March 24, the 20-time grand slam winner is
quietly confident that all is falling into place as he mounts his quest for a
ninth Wimbledon trophy next month.

“There are a lot of things at stake,” the Swiss, who enjoys a first round
bye, said. “I expected Rafa to win the French — not taking anything away
from him.

“But that creates a situation I was expecting. I know I have to reach the
final here to get back to No. 1, that’s an extra motivation.

“But I’m taking one thing at a time and not looking too far ahead. Margins
on the grass are slim, it’s not so simple to win a Grand Slam, it’s seven
matches — that’s a lot of tennis.”

Federer is beginning his grass season in Stuttgart for the third
consecutive year after reaching the 2016 semi-finals where he lost to Dominic
Thiem.

The icon of the sport leads the field, with Frenchman Lucas Pouille second
and his opening opponent was determined in the first match of the week as
German Rudolf Molleker beat compatriot Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-
3.

Tomas Berdych is seeded third, ahead of Australian Nick Kyrgios, making a
return to singles after elbow problems which have kept him off court since
mid-April.

Federer attempted to calm weekend speculation that he is about to sign a
lucrative clothing contract with Japan’s Uniqlo after his 10-year pact with
Nike expired three months ago.

The Swiss said it’s all still in the air and his management is dealing
with several options in the negotiations, worth a reported 300-million-
dollars from Uniqlo for a decade and extending into his eventual retirement.

“It’s rumours, I haven’t had a Nike contract since March when it ran out.
We’re talking, we will see what happens.

“It’s all part of the game I guess, an unfortunate part. This is an
opportunity to see what’s going on. I’ll let you know, we’ll see.”

BSS/AFP/RY/20:25 hrs