Roger Federer leaving tennis tour makes it ‘easier for many players’ says Borna Coric – ‘It’s strange’

Croatia tennis player Borna Coric has revealed his mindset when playing against the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, describing the occasion as an “honour”, and spoken of what it will be like on the ATP Tour with the Swiss star no longer present.

The 26-year-old believes the iconic trio have been too good for the chasing pack to challenge them, but nonetheless has enjoyed previous match-ups and relished the prospect of coming up against them, especially Federer who has done “amazing things” for the sport.

He also made it clear that he feels “it is strange” to not have Federer on the tennis circuit.

“I’ve said many times that I like the big crowds and big stages. When you play against them, that’s a guarantee.

“It’s strange now that Federer is not around anymore, but it is also going to be a little bit easier for many players. He has done amazing things for the sport.

“I was really able to focus on the match against Federer because I tried not to think about the other aspects. It was just me against him and that is the way I try to treat every match.

“Once I get into the match, I don’t think anymore about who I am against and what they have achieved.”

Coric certainly rose to the occasion when he beat Nadal on the way to winning his first ATP 1000 event in Cincinnati.

He beat Nadal 7-6 4-6 6-3 in the second round, before victories against Roberto Bautista Agut, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Cameron Norrie, and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final to claim the title.

The Croatian, who claimed a career-high world ranking of No. 12 last year, is desperate to make his mark in the upcoming Australian Open after a period of preparation in Dubai.

“I don’t want to set too many goals, but that would be the next step for me,” he added. “I have been No.12 in the world and hopefully I can make it even higher now by reaching the top ten.

“The most important thing is to be healthy and then the results will come.

“In the Slams it’s always different because it’s over best of five sets making it much more physical, but that week in Cincinnati has shown me that I can compete at the highest level.

“It has given me the motivation to go on court and work even harder. It shows that I can become a top ten player and hopefully even more one day.”

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