'Clay-court events may be dangerous for Roger Federer' – Mats Wilander

In an interview to Tages Anzeiger, the seven-time Grand Slam winner commented on comeback to clay. The Swiss is set to play the French Open and one or two more tournaments prior to that.

Probably he needs to play more matches than last year, said Wilander. Clay-court tournaments may be dangerous for the way he wants to play. But they could also help him because he has to be stronger both physically and mentally as rallies are longer and tougher.

Because he needs to play from a little bit more behind and he has to organize himself better in terms of balls and forehand. However, once again I could not believe he was that good, that fast, that motivated and in the end pretty bothered.

That he still has it, its decisive for me. That he has good and bad days is normal. And remember, he did not win a Major title for four years. Now he will just not be able to defend the Australian Open title. You keep asking yourself what he will do after.

Does he hit the backhand? Will he back forward? It was a difficult match for Roger. It would have been easier for Novak (Djokovic). Because in that case, he would simply become a wall. But Roger Federers wall is getting older and becomes more fragile.

The QI tennis and variety were as high as possible. Thats all that both players can do. As for hitting, Federer had a worse day than Tsitsipas. But its like head or tail. Could he have played more aggressive? Maybe. But he did not feel totally well, and the guy did not stop, he said.

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