Federer begins his 2019 US Open campaign against qualifier Sumit Nagal on Monday evening with the hope of making amends for his surprise early exit last year.
The 38-year-old hasn’t won at Flushing Meadows in 11 years and has only reached the final twice since then.
After losing a gruelling Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic last month, Federer opted to take part in just one one US Open warm-up event at the Cincinnati Masters where he lost against Andrey Rublev in the third round.
Djokovic meanwhile reached the semi-finals before losing to in-form Daniil Medvedev while Rafael Nadal recently won the Rogers Cup.
The two top-ranked players in the world are the clear favourites to battle for the title at the US Open.
And while Federer admits that is the case, he also believes he is still more than capable of winning his sixth US Open crown.
“I know it’s going to be tough,” Federer told fans and media in New York on Friday.
“I’m not coming in as the overwhelming favourite like maybe back in 2006 or 2007.
“I’m very much aware how I need to approach this tournament mentally.
“It’s going to be a tough tournament to win, no doubt.
“I feel like I’m part of that group who can do it.
“What I’m very proud of is I’ve had a very consistent last year and a half since my back locked up on me in Montreal [in 2017].”
He added: “It seems like the same guys are the favourites again this time around.
“It will be a surprise if anybody else won other than the guys I said.”
ROGER FEDERER – PROJECTED US OPEN DRAW
First Round: Sumit Nagal
Second Round: Damir Dzumhur/Elliot Benchetrit
Third Round: Lucas Pouille/Philipp Kohlschreiber/Dan Evans
Fourth Round: David Goffin/Guido Pella/Pablo Carreno Busta
Quarter-Final: Kei Nishikori/Borna Coric/Milos Raonic
Semi-Final – Novak Djokovic
Final – Rafael Nadal
