Roger federer is optimistic of his chances ahead of the 2014 US Open, most notably for the absence of Rafael Nadal.

Speaking ahead of the tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre, Flushing Meadows, New York, Federer explained that the tournament was a simpler one without Nadal in the draw.

Meanwhile, leading ladies star Maria Sharapova expressed her pleasure at the faster coursts at Flushing Meadows this year.