Federer looks to Brisbane as 2016 launch-pad

Roger Federer said on Saturday he was looking at defending his Brisbane International title as a launch-pad to the new season.

The 17-time Swiss grand slam champion arrived in Australia Saturday with Sunday's Brisbane International tournament as his lead-up to this month's Australian Open in Melbourne.

Federer, 34, who won six titles including Brisbane last year and reached the final of both Wimbledon and the US Open, is up against world No.8 Kei Nishikori, No.14 Milos Raonic and No.28 Grigor Dimitrov in this year's Brisbane tournament.

"The likes of Nishikori, Raonic and Dimitrov want to move now finally into the top four or five and for us, the top guys, it's about hanging on where we are right now," Federer told reporters.

"I've been playing really well for over one and a half years - ever since I came back from my back problems in 2013.

"That's been very encouraging and now I'm just more confident than I was maybe a year ago as well."

Federer won the last of his 17 grand slam crowns at Wimbledon in 2012 and he still believes he has another major title within him.

Novak Djokovic dominated last year with three grand slam titles, and while the wait for an 18th slam title is stretching out, Federer said he was not voverly concerned.

"I've come so close, I've played very well, but I don't feel any frustration because of it," he said.

"I'm still happy with how I'm playing. It was Novak's year, he played so well there's only so much you can do if somebody's so dominant and he's got sky-high confidence.

"It's unfortunate, a pity for me, but at the same time I don't feel sorry for myself. I've won so much throughout my career, I feel like if I keep pushing forward it might happen.

"If not, it's okay."

It is Federer's third trip to the Brisbane International and not only did he win last year's title but he joined rare company by picking up the 1000th match win of his ATP career in the process.

"It's an absolute pleasure to be back in Brisbane," Federer said at the launch event for the Citycat Transport system. "I had a wonderful last two years here and was not going to miss it again as long as I am playing tennis. My family really enjoys it here and the people are super friendly. They love their tennis here in Brisbane."

"Winning my 1000^th match here last year was thrilling," added Federer. "It was so fitting to do it in the final with Roy Emerson and Rod Laver there."

Federer has a bye into the second round this year where he is due to face either Australian wildcard Ben Mitchell or a qualifier.

Beyond on-court results, the Swiss would like to continue to find a happy medium between work and family in 2016.

"For me, it’s more about family when it comes to New Year’s Resolutions," said Federer, a father of four who frequently travels with his children. "I want to be a good dad, be patient with my kids and enjoy life as long as I can."

Date: 2nd January 2016, Source: AFP and ATP