Roger Federer admits he has experienced both great highs and terrible lows in tennis, as he prepares for his 1000th game as a professional.


33816 - Federer emotional as he prepares for 1000th match


Federer, a 16-time grand slam champion, booked his milestone match against Juan Martin del Potro after defeating home favourite Bernard Tomic on Sunday. Reflecting on his career to date, the Swiss admitted the game he 'loves so much' had given him a lot of emotional experiences.
"It's been a lot of matches, and I remember some very vividly," Federer said. "Some I've started to forget, which I guess is a good sign.
"I have had some tough losses over the years, but I've also had some of the most incredible feelings out there.
"I never thought as a kid I would ever cry after I won matches, because I always used to cry after I lost every single match when I was sort of from 8 to basically 15.
"It was always emotional because I always tried my best, and whenever I lost for me it was tragic. So the first time I was able to sort of I cried after I have won a match, I was like, What the hell is happening to me? I can't believe I care so much about this sport which I love so much. It came as a surprise.
"But then I had so much success and I could relive those memories. It was really nice, and that I'm still fit and healthy and eager to play and hungry. It's great. Obviously for me it's just another match, but I know it's special in some ways. I will try to make the best of it, I guess."
As for his quarter-final meeting with Del Potro, Federer expects a similar game to previous Melbourne encounters with the powerful Tomic and Ivo Karlovic - although he revealed he was glad to see the Argentine back and playing at a high level after missing much of 2010 through injury.
"It's going to be different. I'm playing really big guys at the moment," he noted. "I like playing him. He's got some incredible shot-making. It's nice to see him back. I missed him in that year when he got injured.
"I'm sure we'll put on a good match. Anything else would surprise me."