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Roger Federer Wimbledon 2021
Roger Federer, Tennis News, Wimbledon

‘Federer is not among Wimbledon favourites for first time’, says Patrick Mouratoglou


Patrick Mouratoglou said Roger Federer is not among the favourites at Wimbledon for the “first time” due to his “current form and age”.

Mouratoglou – who coaches Serena Williams – also labelled world No. 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic as the “super favourite”.

Federer is attempting to win his first Grand Slam title since the 2018 Australian Open – but has played just five tournaments since the start of last year due to injury.

The Swiss survived an opening round scare against Adrian Mannarino – who was forced to retire with a knee injury with the match level at 2-2 in sets.

“The absences of Rafa Nadal and Dominic Thiem greatly open up the draw and further strengthen Novak Djokovic’s status as favourite,” the Frenchman told La Gazzetta dello Sport

“The win at Roland Garros has given him great confidence, the grass is particularly congenial to him because he has the best return in the world and his precise and effective serve produces wonders on the surface.

“He is really super favourite. The only thing that could create problems for him is his particular ability, when everything goes too well on the pitch, to get tangled up and lose the thread, so suddenly. Federer, on the other hand, will not be among the favourites for the first time.

“The untimely defeat in Halle does not reassure us and it is difficult for me to think that he can play more matches on five sets, considering his current form and his age. If there are any surprises, therefore, I see them coming more from the young rising generation.”

Federer will face Richard Gasquet in the second round at the All England Club today.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.