Melbourne, Jan 18 (AFP/APP): Roger Federer might have won 20 Grand Slams and six Australian Open titles but the Swiss great Saturday insisted he had “low expectations” at the first Major of the season. The 38-year-old crowd favourite has yet to play a competitive match this year, opting out of the recent ATP Cup to spend more time with his family. The team event in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney provided Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal with six high-intensity clashes heading into Melbourne Park, and Federer knows he has his back to the wall. Seeded three, he has a tricky clash against 81st-ranked American Steve Johnson first up. “I’m happy to be back in Australia. I’m happy to be playing here, of course, I love it,” said Federer, who has returned for a 21st Australian Open campaign. “Look, it’s a tricky situation right now playing somebody who has just played a lot this week. He’s ready to go. He’s match-ready and I’m not,” he added of Johnson. “I got to really make sure I get out of the gates quick.” Despite his age Federer won four singles titles last year, but he failed to add another Grand Slam. His closest call … Continue reading Federer has ‘low expectations’ at Australian Open