Roger Federer making sure he is '100% ready for New York' as US Open approaches

Roger Federer is raring to go in the US Open as he makes his return from a recent back injury.

The Swiss ace had a chance at regaining the world number one ranking for the first time since October 2012, however, a back injury suffered during his Rogers Cup final defeat against Alexander Zverev forced him out of the recently-concluded Cincinnati Open.

With Rafael Nadal now reigning at the summit of the rankings, Federer could potentially overtake his long-time rival depending on how results go at Flushing Meadows as he claims to be feeling much better.

"I don't think so,'' Federer told the New York Post when asked if his back will be a factor. "I'm already playing points (Wednesday and Thursday). I am where I want to be."

"I took it slow because I could. I wasn't in a rush. I didn't have to play points or matches within a few days after Montreal. I was really good taking my time, follow a schedule and not force it. I'm better off following that schedule. I still have four, five days. So it's all good.

"Other than the back issue, I'm coming in as good as I can possibly feel. I'm playing extremely well. I've had as much motivation as I ever had. I rested the clay-court season, hoping it would pay off for the grass-court and it did. It was good saving the body and mind.

"I'm really excited to be here. I'm making sure I'm 100% ready for New York. I'm feeling a lot better than a week ago. That's very encouraging. I love playing here – the courts suit me well."

Federer will be looking for a third Grand Slam of the year after going nearly five years without a major title following his 2012 Wimbledon win.

A win at the US Open would also be a Tour-leading sixth title of the year as the 36-year-old reflected on what has been a major career resurgence for him in the calendar year so far.

"It's been a magical year – I was only here in New York last year a couple of days, briefly for a few events,'' Federer added. "Now to be back this year, fast forward a year later, fighting for No. 1, it's pretty amazing. Winning in Australia and Wimbledon, it's great."

The US Open commences on Monday (28 August).