TENNIS NEWS:Roger Federer has been experimenting with new tactics that he hopes will enable him to fulfil his 2009 goals of regaining the world number one ranking and equalling Pete Sampras's record of 14 grand slam titles.

The Swiss was ousted from the top of the rankings by Rafael Nadal last August and his aura of invincibility was broken by defeat in the Wimbledon final before he silenced his doubters with victory in the US Open - his 13th grand slam crown. The 27-year-old said he was feeling much fitter at the start of this season compared to last year where he was recovering from a bout of glandular fever.

"I expect 2009 to be a good year and for various reasons I am under less pressure too," Federer told a news conference in Doha, where he opens this season's campaign at this week's Qatar Open. "I have been dominating for several years and obviously I think I can do it again. I have a very strong technique . . . I am mentally and tactically also quite strong. I have that ability to decide how much should I attack and defend."

He said playing in last week's exhibition event in Abu Dhabi, where he lost in the semi-finals to Britain's Andy Murray, had given him the chance to try out some new tactics. "I practised a lot recently. I tried out many new things in Abu Dhabi - in volleying, charging to the net and playing defensive. Since it was an exhibition event I could do it."

This month's Australian Open offers Federer a chance to match Sampras' record and he is relishing the opportunity after losing in the semi-finals last year. "I have many goals for 2009. One of them is to regain my top ranking and another is to win at least one more grand slam," he said.

Federer said he faced more challengers with world numbers three and four Novak Djokovic and Murray joining him and Nadal as the dominant forces. "I think four of us have moved far ahead of the rest of the top 10. The top four rankings can keep changing often," said the Swiss, who is just 20 points ahead of Djokovic in the ATP standings.

Meanwhile, Murray and partner Ross Hutchins were knocked out in the first round of the Qatar Open men's doubles by Germany's Christopher Kas and Philipp Kohlschreiber in Doha yesterday. The pair went down 5-7, 4-6, leaving Murray to concentrate on the defence of his singles title, which begins with a clash against Spaniard Albert Montanes today.