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Cape Town - World number three Roger Federer, who won his 19th grand slam singles title and an eighth at Wimbledon title last week will be heading to the US Open as a favourite to win his 20th slam.
The 35-year-old Swiss star, who turns 36 in August, has had a stunning 2017, having won five tournaments including a fifth Australian Open crown in January.
The final slam of the year is the US Open in New York from 28 August to 10 September which Federer won five times between 2004 and 2008.
The tournament has not been dominated by anyone since 2008, with Spain's Rafael Nadal (2010, 2013) and Novak Djokovic (2011, 2015) winning it twice while Juan Martín del Potro, Andy Murray, Marin Cilic and Stan Wawrinka have claimed the title once each.
In an interview with CNN, when Federer was asked about the possibility of him winning a third slam this year, he replied that it would be a "joke" if he accomplished that feat.
"That would be a joke if I won three slams this year out of nowhere," quipped the Basel native.
"I know if I stay in shape there are chances for me to do well at the US Open, but to win it? Yeah, at some stage I almost feel like I have to be realistic. I am not 25 anymore. I'm not sure I can win three slams in one year. Winning two is already pretty crazy and plenty good enough for me."
Federer added that he would prepare in his usual way and see what happens in New York.
"I'll definitely try and get myself organised, prepared and ready so that I'll have the best chance to do well at the US Open."
