Federer honing hard court skills as US Open looms

The arrival of twin girls left Roger Federer little time to savor twin triumphs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and now the Swiss star has his sights set on one more 2009 Grand Slam.

Federer captured the French Open title that had long eluded him in June and a month later claimed an unprecedented 15th Grand Slam title with his victory at Wimbledon.

But Federer and his wife, Mirka, celebrated another double later in July with the birth of twins Charlene and Myla.

"The Paris and Wimbledon swing was amazing," Federer said on Monday as he prepared for his campaign at the Cincinnati Masters.

"I couldn't have wished for better. Then becoming a father and supporting Mirka was a very enjoyable time. I didn't think much about what I accomplished (on the court) during that time.

"I remember leaving for Canada thinking that I hadn't thought of Wimbledon in quite some time," said Federer, who returned to action after a five-week break last week at the Montreal Masters. "It wasn't like I was walking down the street at home thinking I was the greatest of all time. I was happy to be a father more than anything."

Federer, who fell in the quarter-finals in Montreal, said fatherhood hasn't hampered him on the court so far.

"I've been sleeping enough so it's not been as bad as I expected," said Federer, who has brought his family on the road with him. "Things have changed in a good way. I love my life now."

His big challenge, Federer said, is getting his hard-court game in top shape in time for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season that starts in New York in two weeks.

"That's the big change after having not played in a while," said Federer, who is the top seed in the three million-dollar Cincinnati event.

The World No 1 has a chequered history in Cincinatti. He's won twice - in 2005 and 2007 - but has been ousted in his first or second match in six other appearances.

"This tournament has been tricky for me," said Federer, who will open his campaign against Jose Acasuso after the Argentinian defeated Poland's Lukasz Kubot 6-4, 6-3 on Monday.

"I either win or lose early. Hopefully this is one of those years where I can go all the way. I feel my game is good enough to do really well here."