Beijing 2008 - Federer: Olympic gold my priority

Eurosport - Wed, 23 Jul 15:07:00 2008

World number one Roger Federer launches his Olympic preparations this week at the Toronto Masters, targeting Beijing gold as his top priority for the remainder of the year.

TENNIS 2008 Wimbledon. Roger Federer (Sui). Foto: EFE. - 0

Federer, who lost in the French Open and Wimbledon finals to Rafael Nadal, will travel immediately after the Beijing Games to defend his US Open title in New York.

"If maybe I am a player who doesn't have any Grand Slams, maybe a Grand Slam would still do more for my own career," Federer said.

"But because I have 12 already, for me an Olympic gold ranks as high.

"I was very proud to represent the Swiss in the 2000 Olympics and really just missed a medal.

"Last time was quite disappointing losing the second round but nevertheless, going there was one of the biggest experiences in life.

"So as long as I can walk and play, I will always come and play the Olympics.

"Who knows maybe I will carry the flag.

"That would be a great honour as well; my birthday is on the opening day (Aug. 8) as well so that's going to be nice, too.

"It ranks very, very high in my scale, absolutely."

While Federer has enjoyed his Olympic experiences they have yet to yield a medal.

At the 2000 Sydney Games, Federer lost the bronze medal match to Arnaud Di Pasquale then four years later crashed out in the second round to Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic at Athens.

Most of the world's top 20 players will be in Beijing, including Spain's Nadal, though the world number two does not quite put the same value on Olympic gold as Federer.

"A little bit less," said Nadal, comparing a Grand Slam title with an Olympic medal. "For us grand slam is different. Grand slam is special.

"Olympics are important but after a Grand Slam."

Reuters

Comment 1 - 14 of 14

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  1. Roger is marvelous player and great personality in and out of court. He is a human, thus it's impossible to win everything and everywhere - nevertheless if he wants to stay in history like the best tennis player of all time he has to remain at the top few more years and has to captured a couple of grand slams. We'll see what will happen - breathtaking matches and moments are anticipated....

    From Gigi, on Tue 5 Aug 7:18AM

  2. If Roger Federer were serious about putting his country before personal glory, he would participate in the Davis Cup with Switzerland, and team up with another top ten player, fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka. That is just not the case! While it is absolutely legitimate for such a great player to run for Olympic gold, one has to be quite fanatic about Federer to claim that this ambition is already an achievement ...

    From granducal, on Wed 23 Jul 8:34PM

  3. 3 years ago I want Rafael to the no.1,but now I want to Nadal is the second. I hate Djokovic, because his tennis not the best.Federer's and Nadal's tennis is fantastic.

    From Mogyorósi, on Wed 23 Jul 1:47PM

  4. I like your tennis Roger! Your tennis is beautiful and the best! Congratulations Roger!

    From Mogyorósi, on Wed 23 Jul 1:32PM

  5. Well i think Federer is only dissapointed with his performance this 2008 and he's trying to make up by wanting to win the olympics because the US open is not guaranteed. I know Nadal and Djokovic are also very big favourites. for the fact Djokovic had a bad outing at the french open he will be looking to bounce back. My winner is still Rafael Nadal. GO RAFA

    From nnyemaokwu, on Wed 23 Jul 9:31AM

  6. I honestly belive and really hope that nadals pushing, will make federer even a stronger player.

    From Gonzalo C, on Wed 23 Jul 9:13AM

  7. well done roger.
    country before personal glory.
    you really deserve the olympic medal.
    you're still my favorite roger.

    From brian7ru, on Wed 23 Jul 7:40AM

  8. kamster101 your also a @#$% @#$%!!!!!!!

    From lee a, on Wed 23 Jul 7:15AM

  9. to davros19831983 you and your roger are both rubbish past is past and history will be change mark my word........

    From lee a, on Wed 23 Jul 7:12AM

  10. there is no doubt Rafa has improved like no other, toppling Roger as best player even if ranking say otherwise....how long he can keep it up remains to be seen....Roger is a great player for one main raeason....when in pressure, he delivers! Pressure is piling up from Rafa more than ever (ranking on line too now) so either Roger lets the guard to be changed as everyone predicts....or he takes it back like a true champ. Knowing him, he will bounce back in 2009. Meanwhile, all the best to him for Olympics....if anyone don't see winning a medal for his/her country as the biggest thins in his sport, they just shouldn't compete!

    From Zuberman, on Wed 23 Jul 5:51AM

  11. sagupaan43, your a @#$% @#$%!!!!!!!

    From kamster101, on Tue 22 Jul 9:42PM

  12. Well done,Roger. It is typical of him to put the honour of his country before personal glory.
    Hope he carries the flag and wins gold. He deserves it.

    From B, on Tue 22 Jul 9:14AM

  13. sagupaan, your grammer is as poor as your way of thinking - Roger Federer is a true great, look at his achievements, i agree Nadal is now pushing him for worlds number one but history and honours speaks louder than words.......

    From davros19831983, on Tue 22 Jul 8:46AM

  14. Hey Roger your power already fade away.......

    From sagupaan43, on Tue 22 Jul 8:18AM
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