Federer hopes to pick up his winning pace after nine majors

By Bill Scott Sep 11, 2006, 7:34 GMT

Roger Federer of Switzerland kisses the US Open Championship Trophy after defeating Andy Roddick of the US to win the US Open Championship on the final day of the 2006 US Open tennis tournament in Flushing Meadows, New York Sunday 10 September 2006. EPA/PETER FOLEY

New York - Even with nine Grand Slam titles earned in just four seasons, Roger Federer feels he still has plenty to prove as he aims for more in tennis.

After defeating Andy Roddick for the 11th time in 12 meetings Sunday to become the only man in history to claim the Wimbledon-US Open title double for three consecutive years, the 25-year-old realizes that the clock is ticking on his time to make even more of a winning impression.

With typical determination, the world number 1 plans to try and pick up his furious winning pace.

'I came here the first time as a Wimbledon champion in 2003 and people were telling me: 'It's hardly ever happened, a guy winning Wimbledon and the US Open back to back,'' he said.

'I didn't care really, I was gonna try to win the Open anyhow. And look what happened, I've been on a roll since 2004.'

Federer, who has played the final of all four majors and won three of them in another charmed season, has little desire to slacken a winning pace which has landed him eight trophies so far in 2006 and 41 overall.

After a brief rest, he will help Switzerland try and avoid Davis Cup relegation against Serbia in two weeks, then compete in Japan for the first time next month at the Tokyo ATP event.

That will be followed by a full European indoor season and the November Shanghai Masters Cup.

Federer stands alone on nine Grand Slams, with the all-time target of the 14 of Pete Sampras anything but out of reach.

'I don't want to stop here,' said Federer, whose New York exploit was watched by new friend Tiger Woods and wife.

'I remember being in great company when I reached six (Grand Slams titles) and then seven and eight. Now I'm left alone at nine.

'It feels a bit strange, but it's been a fantastic season. Winning three Slams, it's unbelievable.

'Something I did in 2004, but this time I was in the finals of the French, it's really incredible.'

As he improved his current mark 70-5 on the season, Federer added:

'I'm surprised how well it went. But at the same time, I know I've given myself the best possible chance.

'Every time I enter a Slam, I'm so well prepared, I'm playing so well, that in the end, maybe I'm not that surprised because the hard work is paying off.'