Federer enjoying ‘outsider’ tag on Roland Garros return

Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action during his first round match against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego. Photo: Reuters

PARIS: Roger Federer counts himself as an “outsider” for the French Open title this year and says he is not merely trying to temper expectations on his return to the clay court Grand Slam following a four-year absence.

The 37-year-old, whose previous appearance at Roland Garros came in 2015, beat Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego 6-2 6-4 6-4 on Sunday in his first match back on the red clay in Paris to ease into the second round.

The Swiss is seeded third behind Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic but is only fifth-favourite for the title with most bookmakers giving Austria’s Dominic Thiem and Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas a better chance of victory.

“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.’

“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.”

Federer will meet German Oscar Otte in the second round.

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