MELBOURNE, Australia—Roger Federer says he doesn't mind coming into the Australian Open as the sixth seed, his lowest seeding there in more than a decade. The Swiss is on the same side of the draw as top seed Rafael Nadal and is in the same quarter as Wimbledon champion Andy Murray.
“I definitely have less pressure this year, less to lose,” Federer said. “I’m not the defending champion or any of that. So, yeah, I should be able to play more freely, and other guys are supposed to make their move or defend again. So things are maybe a little bit more comfortable this year around. But at the same time maybe the draw becomes tougher in the process. But I'm happy I'm able to continue playing tournaments and Grand Slams, whatever in a row, a Grand Slam streak. I'm very proud of that. I hope I can keep playing for a long time.”