Fearless Federer sets sights on Sampras record

By Greg Stutchbury

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Roger Federer is a relieved man going into next week''s Australian Open since he is no longer haunted by the fear of failure.

"Last year I was scared of a first-round exit, not being able to last five sets. This year will be a different situation, I feel way better," said the Swiss, who is aiming to equal Pete Sampras''s record of 14 grand slam titles.

"(I have) more confidence and am mentally tougher."

A year after a mystery virus set off a chain of events which toppled Federer from his pedestal, the world number two will return to Melbourne Park on Monday determined to win a fourth title.

Federer had been expected to easily pick up grand slam trophy number 13 in 2008 but Novak Djokovic, along with what later transpired to be a bout of glandular fever, proved the Swiss could be fallible.

Djokovic first snapped Federer''s record of contesting 10 successive major finals by beating him in the last four at the Open. Rafael Nadal then obliterated Federer''s invincibility.

Not satisfied with humiliating Federer in the French Open final, the Spaniard went on to snatch his Wimbledon crown and the top ranking, a mantle the Swiss had held for a record 237 consecutive weeks.

After ending 2008 on a high, by finally winning that elusive 13th major at Flushing Meadows, Federer will want to ensure his title runs do not dry up.

"I am coming off winning the U.S. Open and I hope I can carry the form I had over there on to the hard courts here in Australia," he said.

Joining the Swiss in the mix will be world number one Nadal, champion Djokovic and in-form fourth seed Andy Murray.

Nadal has opted for a low-key build up to the Open, concentrating on practice after a quarter-final exit in his only tournament of the season so far in Doha.

Since he skipped the tail-end of last year with tendonitis in his right knee, Nadal will turn up in Melbourne having played only three competitive matches in 2-1/2 months.

His mentor Carlos Moya said Nadal would not be hampered by his lack of match practice, however.

"I think he proved last year that he can play well, even not playing many matches," said Moya. "He is going to be ready.

"He had an unbelievable year last year and is very motivated, so obviously he is one of the hot contenders to win the title."  Continued...