Federer says Olympic gold would save his season

The Swiss player, who will lose his top ranking to Spain's Rafael Nadal on August 18, said that even though it would be "too harsh" to describe his season as bad, he was hoping to win gold at the Olympics or win the US Open to "save his season".

 "I had a good and solid season, but to win the US Open or the Olympics would certainly save it."

   Federer, who will be participating in his third Olympic Games, but has yet to win a medal, is only focusing at the moment was on the competition in Beijing.

 "I am not thinking about the rankings," he said, adding though that he felt he could regain the number one ranking. "But to do that, I have to be rock-solid. Rafael has been playing very well, so it will not be easy, but I know I can do it. I have done it before."

   He said that he believed his rivalry with the Spaniard was leaving a mark on the sport. "We have had some great matches and I hope that we will have some more. I think it is great for the sport though."

   The 26-year-old, who will be carrying the Swiss flag into the stadium on his birthday, said he was looking forward to the moment. "I think to be here on my birthday and to walk into the stadium with all the other athletes and then carry the flag will make it an unforgettable moment.

 "It will be a unique birthday. The only thing I then need is a nice cake and not to stumble with the flag," he said.

 When asked what memories he had of his previous Olympic Games, he said that he met his long-time girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec at the 2000 Olympics and was flag bearer in 2004.

 "My girlfriend has been with me for eight years, while the flag was just for 10 minutes, so I guess the 2000 experience will count as the better one.

 "My other Olympic memories are of Ben Johnson and Carl Lewis, as well as Marc Rosset of Switzerland winning tennis gold in 1992."

   Federer, who will face Russian Dmitri Tursunov in the first round, is, unlike Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004, not staying in the athletes village this time.

 "Everybody wants me to pose for pictures with them and while I don't mind, I just can't escape. It is not the ideal way to prepare for such an important competition."

   He said that he was grateful that he had a week to prepare for the competition. "Normally we have just a few days, so having a week is great.

 "Now, whenever I want to experience village life, I can just go there. I have been to the village and it was really enjoyable. I think everything is of a very high standard."

   He said that representing Switzerland at the Olympics made it even more special. "This experience ranks right up there with winning grand slams.

 "Playing at the Olympics is something you dream about. Of course it adds to the pressure that you represent your country, but I would rank it as highly as winning Wimbledon. The memories are unforgettable."

   Federer said he was hoping to watch some other sports. "I would love to see some basketball and athletics. In Athens I saw some swimming, while in Sydney I watched badminton." dpa