Roger Federer says he’s “ready to go” after the upcoming Australian Open despite not playing a lead-up tournament this month.
The Swiss world number two is a four-time champion in Melbourne and heads into this year’s tournament as one of the favourites with Rafael Nadal not competing.
Federer has had a different preparation, giving himself an extended break ahead of his first round clash with Benoit Paire.
“It’s been very relaxing, the last one-and-a-half months,” Federer said.
“Not many appearances, no press almost - just focusing on getting ready, mentally and physically really.
“Now I feel fine. I arrived really early, two, three days earlier than in the past, which has been quite nice. I feel like I have an extra two, three days of a cushion, which is honestly good to have before a slam sometimes.”
He added: “I’m ready to go and eager. That to me right now dominates. It’s important to be fresh going into a new season because the last couple years have been tough on tour.
“I can practice as hard as I want, make it feel also like a match. But, of course, maybe somewhere you do feel more pressure going into the first round.
“I have a lot of experience. I feel like if I’m playing well in practice today, at this age, I know where my game’s at, there’s not going to be no negative surprises because a lot is in your racquet.”