Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Roger Federer credit intelligent preparation as the basis for his stellar performances so far at the US Open as the 17-time grand slam event winner seeks a sixth title at Flushing Meadows. The second seed who hammered John Isner in fourth-round straight sets is now focused on Richard Gasquet, against whom he holds a commanding 14-2 record.

The 34-year-old Swiss is not  concerned with his fitness after playing – and winning – Cincinnati, his only Open warm-up last month following private training sessions in the July Zurich summer heat.

“Even if I play five sets, it doesn’t matter. I think I’ve had a great preparation now with Cincinnati, now playing great here,” said Federer, who has not lost a set so far during the fortnight. Clearly I feel really good about my chances in the quarters.”

Federer said that not over-playing – he skipped Montreal in early August – is apparently paying off. “It could be a difference – I hope it will be. But if it’s not, then I’ll battle through tough matches.

“I’ve worked hard in the off-season. I gave myself that extra week to be in the gym, be on the practice courts. Thankfully, it was nice and hot in Switzerland that time around. We also had around 90 degrees (32 Celsius) as I was practicing.

“I feel like I was able to work on my game a little bit, rest up as well, so I come into now at the  business end of the tournament with a good mindset and a good body.”

Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.