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  • Fitzgerald still has faith in Federer

    1/12/09 8:27 AM | Johan Lindahl
    Fitzgerald still has faith in Federer Australian Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald still likes the chances of Roger Federer to storm back in 2009. But the second-ranked Swiss will have to start reversing what is becoming a poor record against fellow Top ten players.

    Out of 20 matches against the elite last season, Federer won just seven, with Andy Murray (two wins in two weeks in the Gulf) and No. 1 Rafael Nadal seemingly having dialled in their games to beat Federer with regularity.

    But for Fitzy, Federer is working on his place in history as he approaches the all-time mark of 14 Grand Slam titles held by Pete Sampras.

    "At the end of his career, I'd imagine the majority of his endeavour is to win more Grand Slams and set his record up as the greatest ever", Fitzgerald told Sydney media.

    "Last year (67-17, four title) was only a poor year by his incredibly lofty standards. He made a semi at the Australian, a final at the French, a final at Wimbledon and he won the US".

    "I think he can come back, as long as his body's right. He can go on and win more Grand Slam singles titles, no doubt".

    The captain said the Swiss is not yet done; "You can't take Roger out of the mix. He obviously had a few more losses (in 2008). But he's still going to be a big threat, especially come Melbourne. He's always had great success there".

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