Federer happy to be favourite

By Sportsbeat | Eurosport

Federer arrives back in London brimming with confidence, after winning his 17th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon and returning to world number one status.

He has also been boosted by the withdrawal of defending champion Rafael Nadal while key rivals Djokovic and Murray are on the other side of the draw.

Nadal achieved the career Golden Slam in Beijing while it's the only title missing from Federer's resume – although he won doubles gold in 2008.

"It's was a big surprise to see Rafa pull out considering he is defending champion, it was a big blow for the Games but he must have his reasons," said the Swiss star, who will face Colombia's Alejandro Falla in the first round.

"But Novak has a good chance but so does Andy Murray after the Wimbledon he had. I'm not looking too far ahead and I hope to face one of them in the final.

"I do believe winning Wimbledon will help with my confidence, it's been a great couple of weeks, and I don't mind being the favourite because that is when I play better.

"However, at Wimbledon we play seven matches, all best of five sets, but at the Olympics we play five matches and only the final is best of five. If these rules had applied at Wimbledon I would have lost in the third round because I was two sets down.

"The margins are very small at the Olympics and a few points can change a game, we're also playing singles and the early rounds can be dangerous."

However, Federer – who met his wife Mirka at the Sydney Olympics – admits it would be extra special to win again at the All England Club, where he's won seven times.

"The combination of having the chance to play the Olympics at Wimbledon is incredible," he added.

"The importance of the Olympics in tennis has grown and grown and I'm happy all the players now show up and play.

"Winning the doubles gold in Beijing is one of the most incredible feelings I've ever had on a tennis court.

"The pressure is big because it only happens every four years. However, I have an Olympic gold, I know it's the doubles and not the singles, so that perhaps takes the pressure off."

Federer will also partner Stanislas Wawrinka as they seek to regain doubles gold. Wawrinka will carry the Swiss flag at Friday's opening ceremony and faces British number one Murray in the first round.

"It's a tough draw for both guys, they've played each other plenty of times before and they are friends and practice partners," he added.

"I hope Stan can win but Murray goes in as a big favourite but the first round is always very tricky and there is a lot of pressure."