Confidence high as Federer seeks return to glory

FOR the first time in years, fitness is not an issue for Roger Federer.

And more ominously for the former world No.1’s rivals, no longer is confidence.

Federer, 32, revealed the full extent of the personal crisis he faced this year when he arrived for the Brisbane International yesterday.

But the 17-time grand slam champion said he was now ‘‘ energised’’ and ready to again challenge the best after a rare, untroubled off-season.

‘‘I was able to do more than I thought which is very encouraging,’’ he said.

‘‘I didn’t play any exhibitions which allowed me to train extremely hard and for a longer period of time.

‘‘It’s the first time in a year that I could practice three, four weeks in a row without any setbacks — which has been the problem the last 1½ years.

‘‘Every time I had training (in the past) I had setbacks, little aches and pains, especially in the back from time to time . . . which cost me confidence. These last few months have been important for me, feeling that movement is not an issue any more and I can go full out especially mentally more than anything.’’

Federer wants to bounce back after this year failing to reach a grand slam final for the first time since 2002.

‘‘My goals are pretty simple for Brisbane and Melbourne ( Australian Open) — you want to do as well as you can and get into the groove again,’’ Federer said. ‘‘After that I will look at what my goals regarding rankings and tournament wins, but they are pretty much going to be the same — I want to be part of the best, and hopefully beat the best players in the game.’’