US Open 2017: Roger Federer ready for next act of remarkable renaissance at Flushing Meadows

The Swiss great is taking it one step at a time as he looks to win his 20th grand slam title

The Swiss great is on a semi-final collision course with an equally resurgent Rafael Nadal (Getty Images)

Roger Federer is preparing for the next act of his remarkable renaissance at the US Open, where he will begin his pursuit of a 20^th grand slam title against American outsider Frances Tiafoe.

The Swiss ended a five-year barren run at the slams by claiming the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles this year and, in the absence of Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka, is the favourite at Flushing Meadows.

Although he is on for a semi-final collision course with an equally resurgent Rafael Nadal, Federer wants to take it one step at a time as he looks to win his first US Open title since 2008.

"I don't think we are both thinking that far ahead," said Federer, who has never played against Nadal in New York.

The 36-year-old Swiss also needs to adjust to the new surroundings of Arthur Ashe Stadium, where a retractable roof was inaugurated in 2016. Having skipped the US Open last year during a six-month layoff to heal a knee injury, Federer has never played in the revamped arena.

"Excited to play on centre court for the first time with the proper structure and roof now," he said. "I missed it last year. I'm very excited playing here again."

Against him will be 19-year-old American Tiafoe, who he beat in straight sets at Miami this year and who should not offer too much resistance.

"It's an interesting first round. Clearly he has nothing to lose but everything to gain. It's a tough one, plus he's playing well," Federer added.

"He's an aggressive baseliner like so many of the Americans. Thankfully I played him in Miami this year so I have a little bit of an idea of how he plays, and his patterns and what he prefers to do and whatnot.

"At the end I'm going to try to focus on my own game like I usually do and make sure I make it tough for Frances to get through me."