Roger Federer in good spirits ahead of Wimbledon campaign

Federer equalled the record of seven crowns at the grass-court grand slam when he last won there in 2012, moving him level with Pete Sampras and William Renshaw, who achieved his haul prior to the Open Era.

But the 32-year-old believes he is on the verge of forming an elite group of one as he prepares for the third slam of the year.

The world number four starts with a clash against Italian Paolo Lorenzi at the All England Club and insists that winning Wimbledon is far more realistic than French Open success for him.

"I feel like if things click here, I should be able to win the tournament," Federer said.

"Whereas at the French, I feel like I'm slightly more dependent on Rafa (Nadal). He's the only guy really.

"That doesn't mean I don't believe I can win the French either.

"It's just that I know he's been so dominant over there that it goes through him regardless, whereas on the grass or hard courts you don't feel it as much.

"I feel like if I play my game it's more on my racquet. As soon as that's the case, you're more confident in your chances.

"I feel like I have a very good chance again this year."

Federer feels making a good start to the tournament is crucial as he bids to avoid a first-round upset like Nadal suffered last year.

Lukas Rosol toppled the Spaniard in five sets and the new surface will challenge the world's top players at the start of the tournament, according to Federer.

"I think he (Nadal) might be slightly more vulnerable in the early rounds," he added.

"This new, fresh, lush grass " we're not quite used to it.

"As you go deeper in the tournament, it becomes easier to move - the ball bounces a bit higher, it becomes more what we're used to.

"The early rounds are key for most of the top guys. We're talking about the first two rounds in particular.

"I didn't expect him (Nadal) to lose last year first round, let's be honest. So these losses, they happen."