Originally published on: 15/05/13 00:00
Federer hasn’t reached this stage of a season without winning a title in 14 years but the world No.3 insists his game is where he wants it to be.
“Regarding my level – I am happy,” said Federer after his 6-1 6-2 victory over Italian wildcard Potito Starace in Rome. “On the practice court I am finding my rhythm and so I think that if there was a big tournament or a Grand Slam or a semi or final then I feel I would be ready. I am there where I want to be.”
The 17-time Grand Slam champion, who is 1-1 on clay this year, will be hoping for a run of clay-court matches in Rome this week, his last event before Roland Garros.
“I was happy that I was able to control the outcome of the match and the unforced error stats [against Potito]. But one match doesn’t make a difference.
“It would be good to gain confidence and win on clay and I am happy how I am feeling now.”
Next up for Federer is the winner of the match between Mikhail Youzhny, who beat Tommy Haas in the first round, and Frenchman Gilles Simon.
