Federer focused on Beijing gold not Grand Slam glory

TORONTO: World No 1 Roger Federer launches his Olympic preparations and his North American hardcourt campaign this week at the Toronto Masters, targeting Beijing gold as his top priority for the remainder of the year.

Federer, who lost in the French Open and Wimbledon finals to Rafael Nadal, will travel immediately after the Beijing Games to defend his US Open title in New York.

"If maybe I am a player who doesn't have any Grand Slams, maybe a Grand Slam would still do more for my own career," Federer told reporters on Monday. "But because I have 12 already, for me an Olympic gold ranks as high.