Federer Relaxed Ahead Of Australian Open Defence

Roger Federer believes his form at the start of the season has given him plenty of confidence going into the Australian Open.

Defending champion Roger Federer admits he would love to win his 100th career title at the Australian Open this month but he is determined to not put too much pressure on himself (Federer 9/2 Australian Open Outright).

The 37-year-old could make even more history in Melbourne in the next two weeks as he tries to win his 100th tournament in what has been a remarkable career.

Federer is also on the lookout for a third successive title at Melbourne Park and another win on January 27 would see him win the Grand Slam for a record seventh time.

Although he is so close to a number of accolades, the Swiss ace is wary of the threat that Novak Djokovic will pose in Melbourne.

Djokovic is the ante-post favourite to win the event Down Under at odds of 6/5, but Federer insists he will do all he can to lift the trophy once again.

“Ninety-nine [titles] is already an incredible number,” Federer is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

“I could live happily ever after with 99 too but if you are so close and knowing I am going to be playing this season I will give it a go!

“Every tournament I go to people might talk about it, like we are talking about it right now. Again [it is a case] of not thinking too far ahead.

“I will give it all I have but reaching one hundred would be something truly very special for me.

“In practice [during] the off-season I felt great. I didn’t miss any sessions in terms of fitness or on the tennis court. When I went to Perth [for the Hopman Cup] I was feeling good but you never know if it is going to translate into victories onto the court.

“I played great in singles and in mixed. It was a great event – I played some great tennis against [Alexander] Zverev.”

Odds subject to change.