<p class="title">Roger Federer said he is eager to make his start at the Cincinnati Masters as the world number two begins his delayed summer hardcourt season.</p>.<p class="bodytext">With the US Open a fortnight away, the 37-year-old Swiss is keen to test his form prior to the August 27 kick-off of the last Grand Slam of the season.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The 20-time major winner skipped Toronto last week to pace himself with the tournament at Flushing Meadows followed by the Laver Cup in Chicago in mid-September.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"I've trained hard, I'm anxious. I chose to skip Toronto for the health of my body," the seven-time Cincinnati champion said. "I don't want to be hurt, there is too much to play."</p>.<p class="bodytext">But the Swiss admitted that sitting out competition is difficult.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"Watching from afar is tough," said Federer, who will start against Peter Gojowczyk after the German beat Portugal's Joao Sousa 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"But that's part of growing older, you've got to take care of the body.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"It's nice to be back and I hope to have a good tournament." Federer last played a match on hardcourt 141 days ago, when he lost in the Miami second round to Thanasi Kokkinakis before skipping the clay season and returning on grass.</p>.<p class="bodytext">He said that while he would prefer not to take weeks away, it has now become a necessity in prolonging his fabled career.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"You've got to keep it all in perspective, it's easier now for me to take time away. I wish I could play everything but it's not possible.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"I'm more relaxed about my schedule now. I have more time for the family, which is important for me," the father of two sets of twins said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"The hectic part of my life has passed. Even when I have to take time away, I still get something out of it."</p>.<p class="bodytext">Federer did express regret that Rafael Nadal, the Toronto champion, had to withdraw from Cincinnati in order to ease the strain on his body after a solid, if demanding, week of success.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"It's a pity Rafa is not playing, but it's still an amazing draw."</p>
<p class="title">Roger Federer said he is eager to make his start at the Cincinnati Masters as the world number two begins his delayed summer hardcourt season.</p>.<p class="bodytext">With the US Open a fortnight away, the 37-year-old Swiss is keen to test his form prior to the August 27 kick-off of the last Grand Slam of the season.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The 20-time major winner skipped Toronto last week to pace himself with the tournament at Flushing Meadows followed by the Laver Cup in Chicago in mid-September.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"I've trained hard, I'm anxious. I chose to skip Toronto for the health of my body," the seven-time Cincinnati champion said. "I don't want to be hurt, there is too much to play."</p>.<p class="bodytext">But the Swiss admitted that sitting out competition is difficult.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"Watching from afar is tough," said Federer, who will start against Peter Gojowczyk after the German beat Portugal's Joao Sousa 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"But that's part of growing older, you've got to take care of the body.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"It's nice to be back and I hope to have a good tournament." Federer last played a match on hardcourt 141 days ago, when he lost in the Miami second round to Thanasi Kokkinakis before skipping the clay season and returning on grass.</p>.<p class="bodytext">He said that while he would prefer not to take weeks away, it has now become a necessity in prolonging his fabled career.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"You've got to keep it all in perspective, it's easier now for me to take time away. I wish I could play everything but it's not possible.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"I'm more relaxed about my schedule now. I have more time for the family, which is important for me," the father of two sets of twins said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"The hectic part of my life has passed. Even when I have to take time away, I still get something out of it."</p>.<p class="bodytext">Federer did express regret that Rafael Nadal, the Toronto champion, had to withdraw from Cincinnati in order to ease the strain on his body after a solid, if demanding, week of success.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"It's a pity Rafa is not playing, but it's still an amazing draw."</p>