World No.2 Roger Federer has already turned his attention to winning the Australian Open after ending a disappointing season that saw him lose his No.1 ranking to Rafael Nadal for the first time in over four years.
The three-time Australian Open winner will be making his ninth appearance at Rod Laver Arena and if he wins again he will equal Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam titles.
Federer finished the 2008 season plagued with injuries and failed to reach the semi-finals of the season-ending Masters Cup, but after a well-earned rest he says he'll be ready to get back on the court come January.
"I am very keen to continue my Grand Slam form from the US Open and add another 'Happy Slam' to my collection," Federer said.
"There is no better way to start the year than with a win in the men's final on Rod Laver Arena. I am very comfortable there and have had some of my best tennis memories in that building."
"I look forward to getting to Melbourne early in the New Year in top form and injury free."
The 27-year-old bowed out to Novak Djokovic at the semi-final stages this year, but was struck down will illness and was not at his peak, making 2009 extra special for him.
"The Australian Open 2009 takes on a major significance for me, even more so after my illness last year," Federer said.
One of the most memorable moments in Australian Open history was the tearful presentation when the then world No.1 was presented with the Norman Brookes Trophy by his idol, Rod Laver.
Laver will again present the trophy at next year's event to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his stellar 1969 season when he won all four Grand Slams.
"We know Roger Federer is a supreme athlete with great respect for the game and its tradition. He has the dual motivation of wanting to regain the world No.1 ranking and also create some history of his own," Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said.
"His preparation for our event is normally immaculate, so expect nothing less than a finely-tuned, incredibly-motivated world-class tennis player when he arrives in Melbourne in January."