WORLD NUMBER ONE Roger Federer has fired an ominous warning to his rivals as he seeks to add a sixth US Open title to his collection.
Although he is a five-time champion at Flushing Meadows, Federer is desperate to reclaim the trophy he last won in 2008.
Victory at the US Open will see Federer move ahead of both Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras for most singles titles at Flushing Meadows in the Open era.
The Wimbledon champion enters the tournament in red-hot form, with 56 wins and only seven losses this season.
Last year he lost a five-set thriller to eventual winner Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals and is looking to make a bright start in 2012 when he begins his campaign against American Donald Young.
“I felt good last year, but probably felt that maybe at times the matches were not always in my racquet, whereas maybe this time around I feel like if I’m playing well I can dictate who going to win or lose,” Federer said.
“It’s going to take something special from my opponent to win. That’s kind of how it feels right now.”
Despite his confidence, the 17-time Grand Slam champion remains careful not to underestimate his opponents.
“You have to always be very careful how you say it and how you then play,” he said.“I will never ever underestimate an opponent ever again. I did that enough when I was a teenager. Those times are gone.”
The 31-year-old believes it has been his ability to recover mentally from ‘tough’ losses at the US Open and Wimbledon last year that has allowed him to enjoy success this year.
“I took some time to assess the situation and (figure out) how I should move forward,” he said.
“It was great to start off with a win in Basel last year in my hometown. Then the rest we know. It’s been a great last 12 months.
“I know sometimes the press or people start to paint the picture I was very far off, but I knew how close I was.”
