Federer Relaxed and Ready for Australian Open

Speaking to reporters in Singapore, Roger Federer said that after a busy off-season, he is ready to compete at this month's Australian Open.

By Erik Gudris

(January 4, 2013) -- While several of the ATP's top pros are either out of action altogether or dealing with injuries already in the first week of the new season, Roger Federer appears to rested and ready to compete at this month's Australian Open.

Speaking to reporters today in Singapore, Federer discussed his off-season that included a very successful tour of South America along with his preparations for Melbourne.

"I am very happy that the year is starting," Federer said per Reuters. "It's a bit of a different preparation for the Australian Open this year but I'm confident I am mentally refreshed, which I am, and physically I am fine and that I will play a good Australian Open."

Federer enjoyed some time with his family during the holidays before getting back to work on the practice courts. Federer plans on a reduced schedule before 2013, but admitted he can't stay too far away from the tour if he wants to keep up with the elite of the game.

"It is hard to say I'm going to take one or two months off and practice hard while there are 10 to 15 new tournament winners on the Tour and you are sitting at home."

Federer thinks this year's Australian Open will be an exciting one though it will be without his longtime Rafael Nadal who is continuing to recover from an ongoing knee issue that forced him out of action since Wimbledon. Without Nadal, Federer thinks that it could help someone else breakthrough during the two-week event.

Federer is not competing this week and will play his first match of the new season in Melbourne.

To read the Reuters article, go here.

(Photo Credit: AP/Wong Maye-E)