Roger Federer once again believes he can win the U.S. Open as he targets his 18th grand slam title.
The year's final major tennis event begins Monday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. Federer is the second seed in men's competition, behind Novak Djokovic. Serena Williams is the top women's seed as she goes for her third consecutive Open title.
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Just a year ago, Federer appeared headed for retirement after a second-round loss at Wimbledon and fourth-round exit at Flushing Meadows. But he built strong 2014 with a 49-9 record, including reaching the Wimbledon final.
At 33, Federer said his confidence was back.
"This year I played a lot of good matches. Not just Toronto and Cincinnati but really from the first week on I have always played really nice tennis," Federer said on Saturday.
"Then you come into this U.S. Open just knowing -- you remember how it feels to win tournaments. You remember and you get used to that.
"You almost forget how to lose to a point and confidence rises. You're back to winning ways again and everything seems so simple. It's nice feeling that way.
"I'm looking forward to this tournament, because I really feel like I can play a great tournament. I hope I can show that on the court this year."
Federer said last year he tried to "convince" himself that he had an opportunity to win the grand slam despite his form.
With Rafael Nadal out injured, Federer has a good draw. He starts with Australian Marinko "Mad Dog" Matosevic.
Federer thrashed Matosevic 6-1, 6-1 in Brisbane this year and knows the result will come down to his performance.
"I have only played him once in Brisbane this year and I played him very well on a similar court," he said.
"He's had some better wins now. This year he's really moved up the rankings.
"Clearly I'm aware that he can play some dangerous tennis but at the same time, I feel like it's on my racquet.
"I have to make sure he has to work extremely hard and he knows the finish line is really far away and I will try to keep it that way throughout the match."