Federer eyes strong '09

Roger Federer has turned his thoughts to getting his 2009 season off to a flying start after beating James Blake in an exhibition match in Macau.
World number two Federer, hampered by a back strain and stomach bug at the season-ending Masters Cup and sent crashing out by Andy Murray, said: "I've actually been feeling better and better even though I got a little sick again at the beginning of the week.

"But I felt like my body has been recovering since the last match against Murray."

Federer has 13 Grand Slams - just one behind American Pete Sampras's record - and said he was looking forward to a break before gearing up for the new season and January's Australian Open.

"The season starts early," he added. "You have got to be ready. You don't have like a month to feel your way into the year. You will be judged right at the end of January.

"Some predict sometimes stupid things, that the season won't be good if you don't win the Australian Open. That's a little bit unfair. I definitely have high hopes. I've been very successful at the Australian Open."

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