Roger Federer described the off season as “short and sweet” but has said he feels refreshed enough for 2010.

"People say it's only four weeks, but if we get two weeks off and then practise for two weeks we are very happy people and we are ready to go for another few months," said Federer. "We might get another few weeks off down the road, but it is obviously important to get in shape ahead of the first Grand Slam of the season.”

Federer is relieved to be starting 2010 on a clean bill of health compared to previous years. In 2008 Federer was struggling with a debilitating bout of glandular fever which contributed to a subdued performance at the Australian Open and then last year he was struggling with a back injury.

Federer is wary of his many chasing rivals knowing that there are not many points separating the top five. 

"With the ranking system we have, everything can change in a second," Federer told the media last week.

"If you can’t play Wimbledon like Rafa last year, you lose 2,000 points. If someone else wins, it's a 4,000-point swing. There is pressure week-in, week-out, for the players."

With the big five also being challenged by Nikolay Davydenko, Andy Roddick and now Robin Soderling the days of Federer’s long spells in the top spot look to be drawing to a close.