By Daily Sports on August 28, 2017

Roger Federer will head into next week's US Open feeling optimistic he has overcome his injury concerns.

The Swiss, 36, struggled with a back problem as he lost to Alexander Zverev in Montreal two weeks ago.

But the third seed has been practising freely in New York and said: "I'm really happy how I'm feeling."

A hip injury has seen Andy Murray join Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka, Milos Raonic and Kei Nishikori on the list of absentees.

That leaves Federer and top seed Rafael Nadal as the clear favourites, with the pair in line for a potential semi-final meeting.

Federer has a 35-3 record this year, having taken his Grand Slam tally to 19 titles with wins at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

His hopes of winning a sixth US Open, and first since 2008, suffered a blow with the third of those defeats against Zverev in Montreal two weeks ago.

A back problem restricted Federer in the final but he has recovered sufficiently to face American teenager Frances Tiafoe in the first round at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday."Two weeks after the finals [in Montreal] is a long time, so because you've got two weeks you can take your time," said the Swiss."

So the first week was really just trying to feel better, get better, get back on the court at some stage. I have been on the practice courts since last week. There you have it.

"I have been playing sets the last few days, and I'm really happy how I'm feeling."If Federer and Nadal were to make it through to the semi-finals it would be their first ever meeting at the US Open.

"I'd be happy to play him here," said Federer. "We never played in New York, so I think that would be fun for everybody involved. I don't think we are both thinking that far ahead." (BBC)

•Photo shows Roger Federer.

Source Daily Sports

Posted August 28, 2017

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