Welcome to the "Happy Slam" Roger Federer declared as he prepared to launch his title defence at the Australian Open.
After a year in which the Swiss master hoisted 12 trophies, including three Grand Slam cups, won 92 matches and lost only five, fans and pundits alike are expecting 2007 to be a mirror image of 2006 -- another season of total domination by the Swiss.
Federer, however, was having none it.
"It's going to be hard to repeat last year's season," Federer told reporters on Sunday.
But seconds later, he was back on Federer mode: "I had a great last few years. Just hope to keep it up, stay healthy. That's really what my secret has been, you know, staying healthy, not being injured too much, having a good schedule.
"Obviously, I've carried the confidence for quite some time now."
The nine-times Grand Slam champion suffered a rare defeat on Saturday when he was beaten by American rival Andy Roddick in the invitational Kooyong Classic final.
But with the event being an exhibition tournament, Federer was not about to read too much into a result that will not count towards his official records.
"Every time I had a setback, I bounced back very strong," warned Federer, who will face Germany's Bjorn Phau in the first round on Monday.
"You can't expect yourself to be already peaking like crazy in an exhibition tournament.
"Now the first Slam is around the corner. Hope I can do well here."
WINNING RECORD
Unlike the majority of Federer's opponents in recent years, Phau will go into the match with a winning record against the world number one.
Unfortunately for the German, that was in 1999 when most of the world had not even caught a glimpse of Federer.
"I played him in Washington. I lost," recalled the 25-year-old.
"He's a player I know since '98, '97. Played a couple of futures with him back then. It's going to be interesting to play against a guy you haven't played in six years, seven years."
"We've both come a long way."
Only Phau has not quite travelled the same road as Federer.
While Federer has amassed 45 titles and more than $28 million, Phau is still searching for that breakthrough win.
Unfortunately for him, the chances of him extending his record against a refreshed and relaxed Federer are virtually nil.
After a two month break from the rigors of the tennis circuit, the Swiss is raring to go.
"It's [the Australian Open] kind of like the 'Happy Slam'. You get here and are happy to play again," he said.
