Once Roger Federer embraced the wild side of New York, he began a run of five US Open titles. Now that he is a father of two girls and winner of a record 15 Grand Slam titles, he's going to relax a bit.

Federer's quest for a sixth consecutive US Open crown begins on Monday when the year's last Slam tournament gets underway at Flushing Meadows. The Swiss world number one could face second seed Andy Murray or third seed Rafael Nadal in the final.

After winning his last US Open tuneup event at Cincinnati, Federer is pleased with his form and his freshness mentally and physically.

"I feel like my game is exactly where I want it to be," Federer said on Saturday. "I don't have any open questions. That's the relaxing part."

Federer has not lost a US Open match since 2003 but part of the reason for that has been the mental adjustment he made to the glitzy New York environment.

"I used to struggle here a bit more just because conditions were really difficult, but then I started to embrace everything and I enjoyed the wild city, the way crowds are and how loud it is," Federer said.

"Now I love everything about it, especially the fans. That definitely helped last year."

Federer beat Murray in last year's final for his only Slam crown of 2008 after a tough five-set loss to Nadal in the Wimbledon final.

This year, Federer enters after completing a career Grand Slam with victory at the French Open, then setting an all-time Slam title record with his 15th coming last month at Wimbledon.

"I've won already two Slams this year. That takes pressure away 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," Federer said.

"This year is different. I feel like I'm playing great. That gives me a lot of confidence and relaxes my mind."

While lacking the desperate hunger of last year, Federer finds himself excited to stretch his record US Open title streak and perhaps own all four major crowns at once if he can win here and next year in Australia.

"Less pressure but as eager to do well," Federer said. "Last year I felt like I had to win. It would have been disappointing not to have won a Slam last year, not defending my title from the year before.

"I guess everything fell into place and I find myself number one in the world and defending champion thanks to how great I played last year."

Federer also knows that plenty of pressure is only a short stroll away.

"Once walking through the tunnel to Arthur Ashe Stadium, things change. Pressure arises and I hope I can handle it," Federer said.

"I think it's one of the toughest tournaments to win because everybody is going for the last Grand Slam of the season. Everybody can play on the hardcourts."

As for any secret to his US Open success, Federer has none to offer.

"Secrets? I don't know. Belief. Being a good enough player," Federer said. "You rarely see surprises as the US Open, I guess because we're into a full season. Everybody is match tough, fit to go. It makes it difficult to win here."

AFP

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