Roger Federer is hoping for the perfect start to the 2012 season when the Mubadala World Championships get underway in Abu Dhabi later this week.
Federer has never won the season-opening exhibition tournament, finishing runner-up to Rafael Nadal last year. The Swiss would dearly love to land an important psychological mark to start the new season with Novak Djokovic and Nadal again in this year's field.
Federer is the man to watch at the moment after ending 2011 with a 17 match winning streak.
“For me, it was the strongest finish I’ve ever had in my career, which I’m very proud of," he said. "I’m already looking forward to the new season which for me starts at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. I’ve feel my game is in really good shape and the desire to train hard remains. Everything is in a good place and to continue the winning in Abu Dhabi would be a good start to the new season.”
"Each year the support I receive is amazing and appreciated. The fans in Abu Dhabi give me a great welcome and its part of the reason I come back. It would be nice to get an early win for the fans but also to see where my game is ahead of the Australian Open.”
The tournament begins on Thursday and Federer will play the winner of Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils in the semi-finals.
