Roger Federer came into the French Open a little bit under the radar, and is more than happy to let the world's focus land squarely on someone else for a while.
The way the 16-time Grand Slam champion is playing at Roland Garros, though, that's quickly starting to change - especially with five-time champion Rafael Nadal and the No 2 seed Novak Djokovic already dropping sets in the early rounds.
"People expected me to hopefully win or to prove myself here in Paris over many, many years, and this year I don't have to do that because I have already won this tournament before," said Federer, who will play Stanislas Wawrinka today in the fourth round. "And now the expectations are sky-high for Novak and Rafa, because he's the defending champion. That leaves me a bit out of the pressure situation, which is not a bad thing for me."
Federer came to the French Open seeded third, making it the first time he has been outside the top two at a grand slam tournament since 2003.
He also entered the tournament without being the reigning champion of at least one of the majors for the first time since he won Wimbledon that year.
None of that seems to be affecting him at this year's tournament.
"I'm at peace with my game right now. I'm physically fine," Federer said.
"I mean, it's still early in the tournament, and also not to be overrated, but at the same time it's really nice to be moving in the draw so well, so quickly, really."
