Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic fired warning by Benoit Paire at US Open
ROGER FEDERER and Novak Djokovic have been fired a warning by the fearless Benoit Paire.
Roger Federer says he needs to be 'explosive' at the US Open
Paire is in the same quarter of the US Open draw as two of the title favourites and he entertains Federer in the second round this evening.
The Frenchman has had a strong season which included an impressive victory against Djokovic at the Miami Masters.
The world No 56 also squandered two match points during his last meeting with Federer at the Halle Open.
And he is desperate to call on those experiences to help him go one better and reach the third round of the US Open for the first time in his career.
“Before, against Federer, I headed into the court to win two or three games per match,” he said.
“Having two match points against him in Halle changed a little bit this prospective.
“I will head into the court being more confident than other times.
“This year I played great matches against top players.
“I defeated Djokovic (in Miami, 6-3, 6-4), I almost beat Federer, I beat Lucas (Pouille), I defeated Richard (Gasquet).
“I say I am having a decent season and that my ranking doesn't reflect my game level.”
Meanwhile, Federer is also wary of the danger Paire possesses.
“It's normal for him to believe more in his luck after passing [the first round], it's up to me to beat him more easily to take away that feeling!” Federer said.
“I have always liked playing against Benoit. He brings something else to our sport with its spirit and way of playing.
“The conditions are completely different here, but I'm always suspicious of him."
The winner of Federer vs Paire will face either Nick Kyrgios or Pierre-Hugues Herbert in round three.