Melbourne, Jan 17 (DPA) Roger Federer calmed any pre-Grand Slam nerves as the top seed did his part to aid earthquake-stricken Haiti by taking part in a Sunday hit-up for charity, a day before the start of the Australian Open.
The Swiss was actually the brain behind the fundraising exhibition, with eager participation from players including Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Kim Clijsters, Novak Djokovic, Sam Stosur, Lleyton Hewitt and Andy Roddick.
Fans were allowed into the Rod Laver arena for a $9.30 contribution at the gate as some of the best in the game punt on an informal show before Monday’s start of hostilities at Melbourne Park.
With 15 major titles in his pocket including three in Melbourne, Federer would not be expected to have nerves. But the Swiss said that anything is possible.
“I definitely do get very excited for many big events, many tournaments, trying to prove myself over and over again, and see if the hard work paid off,” said the world number one.
“Playing in front of a nice crowd is always something special because in the off-season there’s maybe two people hanging at the fence just walking by and seeing you practise.
“But you can get some momentum during the match because of the spectators. That’s really what I’m looking forward to live again this week or the next two weeks.”
The 28-year-old said life on the road with his new family is going smoothly with his twin daughters already seasoned travellers at not quite six months old.
“It’s a first for me, it’s going really well. It’s inspiring. It’s not so easy to create a family when you’re travelling so much.
“But the hunger is still there. I’m working as hard as I have been. I haven’t been just babysitting, I also like to go out in the morning, put in the big hours.
“I feel my game’s really where it’s supposed to be. I can only put in the best effort I can and hope results will follow.”
Monday’s opening day programme will be headlined by second seed Rafael Nadal, taking on Australian Davis Cup player Peter Luczak.
“A lot of players can win right now,” said the Spanish defending champion. “I don’t want to name names, but 12 players, 13 players have a good chance.”
Also on court will be 2008 champion Maria Sharapova, making her first appearance since that title and facing Russian compatriot and friend Maria Kirilenko.
The 14th-seeded Sharapova leads their series 2-1.
Belgian Kim Clijsters continues her storming return to tennis after retirement, marriage, motherhood and a change of heart as she plays Canadian qualifier Valerie Tetreault, ranked 134th.
Andy Murray begins Britain’s quest to break a Grand Slam singles title duck going back 74 years, opening against South African qualifier Kevin Anderson.
“You never know the first big tournament of the year,” said the fifth seed. “You don’t know if guys have had problems in December when they were training or whatever. But the guys I’m sure will be in pretty good shape when the tournament starts.”
Women’s second seed Dinara Safina goes into action as well as men’s seventh seed Andy Rodick, fourth-seeded Juan Del Potro. Belgium’s 2004 winner makes her return to the event after reversing a 2008 retirement and starting with compatriot Kirsten Flipkens.
rounak