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'Grand slam No. 20 at US Open would be a joke'

Roger Federer has played down his chances of winning a 20th grand slam title at next month's US Open.

Federer's victory at Wimbledon on Sunday may have established him as the greatest player of all time, but the 35-year-old has claimed his 2017 successes have come as a surprise.

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His historic eighth Wimbledon crown extended his record haul of grand slam titles to 19 - four ahead of long-time rival Rafael Nadal.

He now heads to Flushing Meadows chasing No.20, and a return to the world No.1 ranking.

Federer last won the US Open in 2008. Image: Getty
Federer last won the US Open in 2008. Image: Getty

"That would be a joke, if I won three slams this year out of nowhere," Federer told CNN recently.

"I know if I stay in shape there are chances for me to do well at the US Open, but to win it? Yeah, at some stage I almost feel like I have to be realistic.

"I am not 25 anymore. I'm not sure I can win three slams in one year.

"Winning two is already pretty crazy and plenty good enough for me."

Federer has prioritised key tournaments this year after struggling with a knee problem in 2016, and he is reaping the rewards.

In between Australian Open and Wimbledon triumphs, Federer strategically opted to miss the entire clay-court season. Nevertheless, the Swiss claimed he did not expect to be enjoying so much success.

"Honestly I'm incredibly surprised how well this year is going, how well I'm feeling," he told a media conference.

"As well, how things are turning out to be on the courts, how I'm managing tougher situations, where my level of play is on a daily basis. I am surprised that it's this good.

"I knew I could do great again maybe one day, but not at this level. So I guess you would have laughed, too, if I told you I was going to win two slams this year. People wouldn't believe me if I said that. I also didn't believe that I was going to win two this year.

"But, yeah, it's incredible. I don't know how much longer it's going to last. I have no idea. But I've just got to always remind myself that health comes first at this point. If I do that, maybe things are actually possible [that] I didn't think were."

Federer tentatively plans to resume at the Cincinnati Masters on August 13 before chasing grand slam No.20 in New York a fortnight later.

But he knows it will be a challenge going forward to remain as competitive, with less and less match practice as his body and eye get older.

"Honestly, ever since I had the year I had last year, I do think probably like a year ahead of time with my schedule, fitness schedule, tournaments I would like to play. So I totally see myself playing here this time next year," he said.

"But because it's far away, because of what happened last year, I just like to take the opportunity to thank the people in the very moment, and make them understand, yes, I hope that I'm back. There's never a guarantee, especially not at 35, 36."

with agencies