Federer eyes elusive prize at Olympic stage
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E-mail Xinhua, August 3, 2012
![Swiss tennis player Roger Federer speaks during a press conference at the Main Press Center (MPC) in London, Britain, July 26, 2012. [Chen Jianli/Xinhua]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20120803/001ec94a1d8b11861c0707.jpg "Swiss tennis player Roger Federer speaks during a press conference at the Main Press Center (MPC) in London, Britain, July 26, 2012. [Chen Jianli/Xinhua]") |
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Swiss tennis player Roger Federer speaks during a press conference at the Main Press Center (MPC) in London, Britain, July 26, 2012. [Chen Jianli/Xinhua] |
It is fair to say that life is pretty good for Roger Federer at the moment. Not only did the Swiss master clinch his 17th Grand Slam title by defeating Britain's Andy Murray in the Wimbledon final one month ago, but he eclipsed Pete Sampras' record for the most weeks as world No. 1.
However, Federer, who has broken more records than most players, is still looking for the one accolade that has eluded him throughout his glittering career -- an Olympics singles gold medal.
Now it's just two steps away from the truly glorious feat as the Swiss shall play against Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro in the men's singles semifinals of London 2012 tennis event on Friday. If Federer can beat the Argentine player, he will be playing either Novak Djokovic from Serbia or Murray again.
"It's amazing that this is already my fourth Olympics," said the 30-year-old Swiss, who met his wife-to-be at Sydney 2000 and won doubles gold with compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka at Beijing 2008.
"Always something special has happened at every Olympic Games where I have taken part and I have learned a lot -- living in the village, carrying the flag, seeing huge press rooms, facing a lot of pressure, winning gold -- you name it. There were a lot of things I was able to take away from the Olympic Games."
With his form on grass unquestionable (he has won more career grass titles than any other player in the Open Era) Federer has much confidence from the fact that he is the reigning Wimbledon champion as the Olympic tennis event is being played on the same hallowed turf in south west London.
Now it looks like Federer is in the best possible shape to finally join Andre Agassi and Rafael Nadal as the only men to complete a career "Golden Slam".
