Swiss maestro Roger Federer begins his quest for a record extending 18th grand slam title at the French Open this weekend with a first round tie against Slovenian world number 89 Lukas Lacko.
The former world number one has only recently returned to the court since his wife Mirka gave birth to their second set of twins, this time boys.
However the unflappable 33-year-old Basel native says it’s business as usual as he bids for a second title in Paris after his victory in 2009.
“I believe I might have played him (Lacko) in Australia. I’m not sure, but I know him,” Federer, who is one of seven men to win all four grand slams, said about his opening foe.
“I practised with him several times, so I do know him. I don’t think there is any secret there and I think it’s good for a first round to play against a player you know a little bit.”
Federer, who also has four-year-old twin daughters, says the recent additions to the family haven’t affected his routine.
“Clearly there is a bit more happening and there is a bit more you can do if you want to, but Mirka takes care of most of it.”
When asked if he lacked preparation on clay ahead of his first round match that could lead to his playing Thomas Berdych in the quarter-finals and Novak Djokovic in the last four, he was serene.
“I’m not sure if I have played less than in previous years on clay, because sometimes I didn’t play in Monaco,” he added about his recent run to the Monte Carlo final where he lost to compatriot Stan Wawrinka in three sets.
“I’m very confident if I need to go, you know, deep in a match or play tough matches in a row.
“The only difference is that I didn’t play a lot in the last couple of weeks.”