French Open 2019: Roger Federer enjoying ‘outsider’ tag at Roland Garros after dispatching Lorenzo Sonego
The Swiss maestro admits he does not know how far he can go but is thrilled with his first round performance
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Roger Federer insists he is an “outsider” for the French Open title this year and is not resorting to mind games after returning to the clay of Roland Garros after a four-year absence.
The 37-year-old is back at the Grand Slam after not appearing in the French capital since 2015, and swept aside Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego 6-2 6-4 6-4 on Sunday.
The Swiss is the third seed this year, behind Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, but is fifth favourite in the eyes of the bookmakers, behind Austria’s Dominic Thiem and emerging Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“It’s nice to be an outsider. That’s how I feel, anyhow,” Federer told reporters after his win.
“This is not a show I’m putting on. This is the truth. I really don’t know how far I can go in this event, and I am very happy with my first round.
“It was a really good performance, I thought, from my side for not having played here for as long as I did.”
The 20-times Grand Slam winner, who won his only title at Roland Garros in 2009, says he is enjoying being under the radar a little bit.
“I feel like if I lost first round or in the finals or wherever it is (this year), people would be like, ‘Okay, that could have happened.’Fede
“I like that approach for me once in a while. It relaxes you on the bigger points maybe or it relaxes you subconsciously as you walk through the grounds and go to practice and go to the press room.
“I know when Wimbledon comes around I’ll be probably a higher favourite. That’s okay, too. I’m happy with where I am.”
PA also contributed to this report
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments