FED'S SUMMER

Federer, slowly but surely working his way back from mono, can't wait to tackle the next five months.

Who knows, maybe the lack of tennis early in the season will turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Federer needs two more majors to tie Pete Sampras's men's record of 14 and is seeking that elusive Roland Garros crown.

"It's such an interesting time for me," Federer told England's Independent. "I'm chasing Olympic gold, my sixth Wimbledon, my fifth U.S. Open, my first French Open. If I win any of those, I'll be such a happy person. I believe I can do it all."

When it comes to his relationship with new coach Jose Higueras, Federer said things have started off brightly.

"Jose seems like a nice guy, and we get on well," he said. "We like talking."