The most successful men’s tennis player in history – 20-time major winner Roger Federer – has given an insight into the approach Australia’s world No.1 Ashleigh Barty might need to adopt as she moves from being the hunter to the hunted.
Federer, fresh from arriving in Melbourne as he chases a seventh Australian Open title, explained how once he broke through for his first Wimbledon win in 2003 and rose to world No.1, his circumstances mandated a change in thinking.
Roger Federer at Melbourne Park on Sunday.Credit:Getty Images
“She needs a different mindset maybe,” said Federer, set to embark on a 21st appearance in the main draw at Melbourne Park next week.
“But you can really explore all your potential you have. That’s what happened when I won my first major and I rose through to world No.1. After that I thought, ‘I’m the guy to beat’. I’d prefer to be in this position than being a contender.