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
