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Journalism of Courage
Defending champion Roger Federer has the best grasscourt game on the circuit, extending his winning stretch to 18 matches on the surface, but says he8217;s not quite as comfortable in natural green patches as his pet cow.
Swiss Open tournament organisers honoured Federer with a tan and white Bernese oberlander, named Juliette and outfitted in a large bell, to mark his Wimbledon win last year.
Asked if he was more at home on grass than the cow, Federer said he didn8217;t think so. 8216;8216;She should be more comfortable because she spends more time on it.8217;8217;
Meanwhile, Federer can8217;t be accused of having an overloaded entourage at Wimbledon.
Attempting to defend a Grand Slam title for the first time, Federer still doesn8217;t have a coach or employ anyone to monitor his rivals.
8220;I don8217;t have any spies here. I8217;m the only spy around,8221; the top-ranked Federer said yesterday after his 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 win over Andy Bogdanovic in the tournament opener on centre court.
He lists Lleyton Hewitt, Andy Roddick and Tim Henman as serious challengers. 8220;They8217;re too far away in the draw really to send out scouts to see how they play,8221; Federer said.
8220;If I make the quarters or the semis, obviously I start looking at their matches. But just now, if I watch their match, it8217;s more to enjoy than to study.8221;
