PARIS, May 24, 2019
Roger Federer will compete at Roland Garros for the first time since 2015, having missed the 2016 edition due to injury and skipped the entire clay-court season in both 2017 and 2018 to focus on preparing for the grass-court swing.
“A lot of things have changed. This is the first time I think I’m in this room, for instance,” Federer joked, as the Media Centre is located inside the Roland Garros Museum this year due to ongoing construction work at Court Philipp-Chatrier.
“Center court looks very different. There has been a lot of upgrades and investments made. So you can feel it. It’s definitely growing and it’s nice to see. I feel still it is the old Roland Garros, it’s kept its flair and everything and of course I’m excited to see how it is when it’s all going to be filled up with the fans and the crowds and the people.
“Personally, for me, I’m again very happy to be back. Maybe a tiny bit more, because I have missed the last three editions, and when you miss something in life, you’re happy to be back there again. This is the case for me this year. I’m really happy to be back in Paris.”
The “Swiss Maestro” has returned to the City of Lights, seeking his second French Open title 10 years after his first and so far only triumph in 2009. The 37-year-old Swiss is set to record the longest gap between winning a second trophy at an individual Grand Slam in the Open Era. The record is currently held by Jimmy Connors with eight years between his first and second titles at Wimbledon.
“I played here for many years. I played the juniors here back in ’98. I got a wild card in ’99, 20 years ago. I played Pat Rafter on Suzanne Lenglen. My memories go way back. I won here 10 years ago. This has been one of the greatest moments in my life, so I don’t know what to expect as far as the results are concerned,” Federer said.
“It’s a bit like in Australia in 2017. I had no expectations. I’m just happy to be back in good health. I will play 45 minutes tomorrow, and it seems I’m playing on Sunday, so I’m ready to start.”
