With Sampras' Grand Slam record surpassed, Federer feels he is more relaxed and eager as he begins his US Open title defence today
With Sampras' Grand Slam record surpassed, Federer feels he is more relaxed and eager as he begins his US Open title defence today
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Many observers pondered whether that achievement, his completion of a career Grand Slam with victory at the French Open in June, and his becoming a father for the first time five weeks ago, had demotivated 28-year-old Federer.
Yet he will begin his campaign for a sixth consecutive US Open men's singles title today at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre, in flying form having convincingly beaten world numbers two and four Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic on the way to the Cincinnati Masters title and saying he is more confident than ever.
"It's always a bit of a more, to me, relaxed part of the season, because I've come off five weeks of being at home, whereas prior to Wimbledon, French Open, it's a very busy time through Europe with the clay," Federer said.
"I'm just getting more relaxed. I've already won two slams this year. That takes away pressure from maybe having to do well here, like the feeling I had last year, not having won a Slam last year, trying to get the first one.
It's different
"This year is different. I feel like I'm playing great. That gives me a lot of confidence and relaxes my mind."
Federer is certainly in a very different frame of mind from 12 months ago when his five-year dominance on grass at Wimbledon was ended by Rafael Nadal who then also replaced him as world number one.
Nadal, though, was taken out by Murray in the US Open semi-finals and Federer beat the British number one in straight sets to give him a first grand slam title of the year.
"I'm just more relaxed, you know. (There is) less pressure, but I'm as eager to do well. Last year I felt like I had to win, but it would have been disappointing not to have won a slam last year, not having defended my title from the year before.
"I guess everything fell into place, and today I find myself number one in the world and defending champion, thanks to how great I played last year.
"I'm looking forward, I'm feeling well, playing great, playing offensive tennis.
"That's also what made me win last year, but the feeling is good. I feel physically and mentally really fresh, which is great to feel after so many matches played already this year."
Despite his confidence, Federer said he would treat first-round opponent Devin Britton, an 18-year-old American wild card entry whom he faces on Monday evening on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court, with the utmost respect.
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