Swiss player Roger Federer is tipped to be one of the contenders to win this year’s US Open.

Novak Djokovic believes Roger Federer is playing the best tennis of his career as the duo prepare to do battle for the US Open title.

Djokovic and Federer were slugging it out in the Wimbledon final only seven weeks ago, when the Serb dispatched his rival in four sets to claim a second major crown of the year.

Prior to Djokovic’s ruthless display on Centre Court, Federer had played scintillating tennis at the All England Club, not least in his semi-final demolition of Andy Murray, and the Swiss has continued that form in the build-up to Flushing Meadows.

A seventh career triumph in Cincinnati last week came via straight-sets wins over both Murray and Djokovic, prompting renewed belief Federer can finally win an 18th grand slam title and end his drought which stretches back to Wimbledon 2012.

A miserable season two years ago had many forecasting Federer’s demise but Djokovic has not been surprised by his rival’s renaissance.

“I was always expecting him to play at that level,” said Djokovic, who plays Brazilian Joao Souza in the first round.

“Many people did talk about his career coming to an end that season a few years ago but he came back stronger and is now maybe playing the best tennis he has played.

“He is fit, aggressive, using variety in his game and taking away time from his opponent. That’s what he does best, he likes a fast tempo.

“Cincinnati suited him, the conditions there, he played a fantastic week and I still see him as one of the best players in the world.

“He is number two in the world, played in the Wimbledon final, winning big events and is still challenging all the big players. I still think he’s one of the favourites.”

Struggle for form

For Djokovic, the defeat to Federer in Cincinnati came only one week after defeat to Murray in Montreal – his first in nine matches against the Scot.

The world number one admitted he had struggled for form throughout both events but appearances are often deceptive with Djokovic, who has a habit of saving his best for the heat of a grand slam.

“(The defeats) don’t change my approach too much,” Djokovic said.

“I was getting ready for being the fittest and most prepared I can for this tournament.

“Of course I wanted to win in Canada and in Cincinnati but it did not happen. They deserved to win.

“It only changes in terms of me understanding what I did wrong.

“It’s different playing best of three sets and best of five. In a grand slam you have the most motivation you can have so I’m looking forward to it.”

Federer plays Argentine Leonardo Mayer in the first round, whom he beat in a third-set tie-break in Shanghai last year.

“I didn’t know he wasn’t seeded, he’s been seeded for many years so it will be tough,” Federer said.

“The Shanghai match was one of the luckiest matches I’ve won to be honest.

“I like the power he has on both sides, plus the serve as well which makes him tough to control from the baseline.

“It’s a challenge. I hope I can play with confidence and use my experience against a player like him.”