New York: Roger Federer believes the pressure is off him going into the US Open, even though he is aiming to become only the third man to win the title in three consecutive years.
The world number one said beating American Andre Agassi to retain the title 12 months ago made it easier for him this time round.
"I think it's easier to come back the third time, you know, when you come around and try to defend a title," he said.
"When you come around the second time, you're defending that title for the first time and you feel a lot of pressure, everybody's talking about you.
"By now I've gotten used to how to defend big tournaments, and I don't look at it as a big pressure, I just try to prove to myself again that I can do it all over again.
"I played such a terrific final against Andre last year, that I'm really excited to be back and hopefully playing well again."
Federer goes into the final grand-slam event of the year, which starts on Monday, as the red-hot favourite having won his fourth consecutive Wimbledon in July, which he followed up with the Masters Series title in Toronto.
A second-round defeat by British teenager Andy Murray in the Cincinnati Masters last week came when he was feeling jaded after Toronto and gave him a bit more time to prepare for New York.
"I had days off, took enough rest, had enough practice and so far it's been good," Federer said.
"I feel obviously mentally fresh because I haven't played much since Wimbledon. But physically, I feel fine, too. I have no injuries I need to tweak or anything. Things are looking good for a good start here to the Open."
John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl are the only men to have won three consecutive US Open titles in the professional era.
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