Rosset close to break point?

Rosset suffered another first round disappointment in Key Biscayne Keystone

Swiss tennis star Marc Rosset has hinted for the first time about the possibility of retiring from the sport, following the latest in a string of disappointing performances.

The 30-year-old Swiss number two said he could offer no explanation for the slump in form which on Thursday extended into the Key Biscayne Masters Series tournament. Rosset’s straight sets defeat in his opening match against Morocco’s Hicham Arazi ensured his third first round exit in a row, and his eighth loss in 13 encounters this season.

“It’s not just one of those days,” a crestfallen Rosset told reporters after the match. “It’s been this miserable for months now. I really don’t know if it’s worth the effort.

“The only thing that could help me now would be some wins,” he continued. “I’ve been working very hard for four or five months now without the slightest reward. I don’t know how long I can keep mustering my strength or my patience.”

Rosset became increasingly frank as the press conference continued, his language reflecting his current desperation.

“If I thought it would help, I would run naked across Geneva’s Mont Blanc bridge with a feather up my backside,” he grimly joked. Gallows humour aside, Rosset also indicated that he had considered a number of more credible options to get his game back on track.

“I haven’t taken a holiday in two years,” he pointed out. “Perhaps I’ll have to play in some small tournaments to rediscover my tennis. It’s not a question of age. [Andre] Agassi has proven that.”

Rosset’s decision to make up with former coach Stéphane Oberer, following a bitter row two years ago, has already shown the Genevan’s willingness to give anything a go. Now it seems he is also ready to consider a return to the Swiss Davis Cup team, if talks with team captain Jakob Hlasek prove productive.

“The more people who want to help me, the better,” Rosset explained. “If Jakob wants to help me, then that’s a good thing. I have already asked [Swiss number one] Roger Federer if he wants me to play again, and he said yes.”

Thankfully for the citizens of Geneva, Rosset would appear to have a few more avenues left to explore before he decides to shed his clothes and reach for that feather.

swissinfo with agencies