Modest Federer sets sights on Grand Slam

MELBOURNE, Jan 28 (Reuters) Roger Federer was already starting to think about achieving the Grand Slam after beating Fernando Gonzalez 7-6 6-4 6-4 to retain his Australian Open crown today.

The Swiss world number one needs the French Open to complete his set and become only the third player to hold all four majors at once.

''Now I am again close to winning four (slams) in a row so that's what is on my mind,'' he told a news conference.

''The French Open is next for me so it's going to be very interesting to see how I can do there. I hope I can win the title there because that is the only way I can improve on last year.'' Federer won three grand slams last year and believes his experience will help him add more after closing within four majors of record holder Pete Sampras.

''I have more experience now, what schedules to pick, what tournaments to play,'' he said. ''My motivation is as strong as ever.'' Federer lost in last year's French Open final to world number two Rafael Nadal.

''Rafa is very strong, very confident and he's a great player,'' he said. ''I really enjoy the challenge of playing him.'' Today, Federer became the first man since Bjorn Borg at the 1980 French Open to win a grand slam tournament without dropping a set.

''Equalling records is really nice, no doubt,'' Federer said.

''It was never a goal of mine to win a slam without dropping a set. As long as I win the trophy I don't mind how.'' The 25-year-old has won 10 grand slam titles since winning his maiden title at Wimbledon in 2003 and will break Jimmy Connors's record of 160 consecutive weeks as world number one next month.

''For me, it's really scary to win 10 grand slams from mid 2003 to today,'' Federer said. ''The streak of being world number one is also important.'' REUTERS SAM KP2036