Federer insists he is over virus

Roger Federer insists he is “back to normal” after glandular fever hampered his start to the 2008 season.

The world number one battled to a 6-3 6-7 (7/4) 7-6 (8/6) victory against 14-time grand slam winner Pete Sampras in an absorbing exhibition match in New York on Monday.

Afterwards he confirmed he was over the virus which could have played a part in his indifferent form this year.

Federer has lost his last two competitive outings, falling to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-final and then making a first-round exit to Andy Murray in Dubai.

“I feel fine and I think I’m back to normal, although it’s hard to tell as I’ve only really played one match since I have known what has been going on,” the 26-year-old said.

“It was obviously a very difficult draw in Dubai, playing Andy Murray in the first round but I’ve practised really hard after that in the last week and I’ve come here and I feel very good.

Federer returns to competition on Thursday at the Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells.

“I’m looking forward to preparing in Indian Wells and the most important thing is that I’m over it,” he said.

Sampras backed the “incredible” Federer to bounce back and win more grand slams.

“Roger’s sort of created this monster, of being unbeatable, and just losing a match people have the assumption that he’s lost his ability, lost his dominance,” Sampras said.

“I don’t think that at all. I think he’ll do just fine.

“Every great player in all sports will pick up losses here and there, I certainly did that, and people will start to think he’s lost his edge.

“Let’s just be fair, and try to keep it real. This guy is incredible and he’ll bounce back just fine, I’ve no doubt about that.”