The top-ranked Federer is three Grand Slam victories shy of breaking Pete Sampras' record and he will go into the new year knowing a perfect start is what he needs.
MADRID: Roger Federer thinks 2008 will be a tough year to make history.
The top-ranked Federer is three Grand Slam victories shy of breaking Pete Sampras' record of 14, and he will go into the new year knowing a perfect start would leave him in a position to better that number at Wimbledon.
But to do that, he needs to win the French Open for the first time, the one Grand Slam that has eluded him in an already distinguished career.
"It's still far off, but I'm confident and a positive thinker and I know I have a chance to win the Australian Open and the French Open and then we'll see," Federer said on Saturday.
"It doesn't matter if I do it next year or in 2020, it doesn't matter to be honest as long as I get it."
A win at Roland Garros would make Federer only the sixth player to record a career Grand Slam. He could also break Bjorn Borg's record of five straight trophies with his sixth consecutive win at the All England Club.
But to win all four Grand Slams in a calendar year will be even tougher since the Olympics in August will tighten the calendar.
"The Olympic Games is a special year and honestly I don't envision the Golden Slam, but if it's there to take I'll try, but it's a tough schedule," he said. "It's hard to do, almost impossible."
Federer was looking forward to competing in his third games.
"The Beijing Olympics will be fantastic to go there," he said.
"I enjoyed Athens. I enjoyed Sydney really a lot. It's one of those memories to me as an athlete I'll cherish."
A fourth Olympics in 2012 in London is likely for Federer with tennis being played on the grass at Wimbledon.
"I just think it's an incredible combination for any tennis player. I'll still be 31 or so and still feel I'll have more in me," he said. "For me this is something I would like to do."
Asked about the allegations of match-fixing and gambling in tennis, Federer said he has never been approached and hopes other players will come forward quickly with information if they are.
"The people who are in the dressing rooms, the people who are in the tournaments shouldn't be allowed to gamble," he said.
"It's very disappointing if players would be involved in such a thing."
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