Roger Federer admits he would have preferred a more low-key way to start his clay court season, but remains content to take his chances as top seed at the high-profile Monte Carlo Masters Series tournament starting on Monday.
”It would be easier to start with a lower tourney,” said the seven-time Grand Slam winner. ”At a smaller event I’d be a big favourite.
”Here I’m a favourite, but the draws are tough and you have to back it up every other day.”
With the European clay season only starting a week ago in Valencia, Spain, the small-event scenario is not possible for Federer, who won Miami just a fortnight ago.
The world number one heads into his first match on the dirt in Monte Carlo with the start of Roland Garros looming in late May as top seed.
The Swiss, who spent a handful of days at home after receiving an United Nations honourary ambassadorship the day after completing the US hardcourt title double of Indian Wells and Miami, said he’s heading into battle optimistic but cautious.
”Expectations are not high for an event like this,” he said on Sunday before joining in a PR exercise with chief rival Rafael Nadal, Spain’s reigning titleholder.
”Masters Series are always tough from the early rounds on. Not playing on clay before now makes it that much more difficult to win matches.
”I was happy last year to win three [he lost to Nadal in the quarters]. Four or five would be great but I have to focus on my first round.
”You want to get momentum here to carry forward into the season.”
Federer and Nadal flew the flag for tennis in the principality as they were driven to the ornate square in front of the Monte Carlo casino in a classic 1955 Mercedes-Benz S300.
The top two then faced off in a mini-tennis exhibition in front of fans, before answering questions from the public.
But from Monday, it will be all business for Federer, whose only loss this season was the Dubai final to Nadal two months ago. He currently owns four titles in 2006 amounting to 28 victories.
The top seed opens against a qualifier in the first round while Nadal begins with experienced Frenchman Arnaud Clement.
German Tommy Haas became a late injury pullout after injuring his wrist and quitting a Saturday semifinal against Mardy Fish.
Federer, who will play this event before being joined by Australian coach Tony Roche at the Italian Open from May 8, said that he is hoping to get a grip on exactly where he stands on clay after competing this week.
”I will know what I have to work on. I hope to be feeling even better in Roma and Hamburg.
”Expectations for me are at a normal level, I can’t focus on anything except my first match.” – Sapa-AFP