French Open tournament director Guy Forget believes Roger Federer looks like a player who is “still very motivated” rather than “an old player about to stop”.
The former world No. 4 is impressed with how well the 39-year-old Swiss is playing, and in particular moving, at this year’s Roland Garros.
No. 8 seed Federer has advanced to the third round in Paris with a straight-set win against Denis Istomin and a four-set triumph over Marin Cilic.
“First of all, I’m glad he came to Paris. Every year Roger still plays is a gift. We tennis lovers have to enjoy it. The day he stops, we will miss him very much,” Forget told Tages-Anzeiger.
“I’m impressed with how well he’s playing again. I just like to watch him. I think he’s moving as well as before. His game lives from variation and inspiration.
“That’s what makes him. I don’t feel like I’m seeing an old player with him. Not someone who is about to stop. But a player who is still very motivated, very well prepared and strong at play.”
Federer will face world No. 59 Dominik Koepfer in the last 32 of the French Open tonight.
