Hassled Federer forced to quit village

World number one Roger Federer says he cannot stay in the Olympic village because of constant attention from other athletes.

Federer, who will carry the Swiss flag in today's opening ceremony on his 27th birthday, showed his face in the village and was swamped by fellow athletes turning into fans demanding autographs.

"It is impossible really, there are so many athletes asking for photos and so on. It is not ideal to prepare," he told a news conference yesterday.

"I will go down once in a while to see the other Swiss athletes," said Federer who stayed in the village at the last two Olympics and even met his girlfriend for the first time at the one in Sydney.

"I have the option - I can go to the village or I can get away," he added.

Federer begins his campaign against Russia's Dmitry Tursunov in the first round of the competition which starts tomorrow. He said winning an Olympic gold medal would be "right up there" with his 12 grand slam titles but would also provide extra flavour.

"It is a bit different in that you are representing a country as well, which means a lot to me, being part of it is nice," he said.