• Rogers Cup

Federer: I don't have to prove anything to anybody

Roger Federer will be gunning for a third triumph at the Rogers Cup © Getty Images

Enlarge

Roger Federer insists he does not feel the pressures of having to perform well as one of the sport's role models and has revealed he is not in a "hectic place" at this stage of his career.

Federer arrives for this week's Rogers Cup in Toronto bidding for a third title at the Masters 1000 event and is looking to continue his return to form in 2014.

The Swiss was last in action in the final of Wimbledon in July - where he was denied a record eighth triumph at SW19 by Novak Djokovic in five sets.

The 32 year old has lifted two titles and reached three other finals this season - a contrast to the previous campaign where he won only one title and struggled throughout the campaign with a back injury, leading critics to write off his chances of achieving success again.

"I feel more laid back today than I ever have because I don't have to defend like 12 tournaments a year," Federer said.

"I only won one last year, so I feel I don't really have to prove anything to anybody - although people are always going to disagree with that.

"For me, it's about how do I feel at practice, how's my motivation, how am I actually playing - how do I feel rather than everyone else thinking they know. I can analyse it much clearer today than I ever have, and from that standpoint, I'm not in a hectic place.

"When I was younger, I felt much more pressure. I felt like I had to be what people said. I would listen to everything, Today I kind of go at my pace. I really enjoy the process, and see the positive side of things."

Federer will celebrate his 33rd birthday during the Rogers Cup. For the second time he became a father to a second set of twins in May and the record 17-time Grand Slam champion has revealed how he has enjoyed his time away from the game in recent weeks.

"It's been a great few months waiting. When the boys arrived, seeing the reaction of the girls and seeing how the new dynamics would be as a family," he said.

"It's been incredibly nice. We've had a beautiful last few weeks after Wimbledon when we could really spend quality time away from all the tennis tournaments. It's been great. I love it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd