Federer backs longer break

The ATP board of directors will meet during the World Tour Finals in London from November 21 to discuss the calendar, and will consider proposals to shorten the season by two or three weeks.

Federer, who is competing at the Paris Masters this week, said the schedule has improved since he started on the tour 12 years ago but the 16-time Grand Slam winner believes a longer offseason would benefit the players and tournaments.

"Over the years we've lost a couple of weeks here and there ... but I just think it's time to shift back a bit and to get a proper offseason," he said. "I hope tournaments understand it's in their best interest as well, I think.

"So it seems like we are working together on this issue, and we'll see what's going to come out at the end of the year."

The ATP Tour season lasts 11 months and No. 1-ranked Rafael Nadal and American Andy Roddick have also spoken out in favor of a longer offseason.

After winning the Australian Open in January, Federer saw his run of 23 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals come to an end with a loss to Robin Soderling in the French Open quarterfinals. He then missed his first Wimbledon final since 2002 but recovered in the second part of the season and won his 65th title at the Swiss Indoors last week.

Federer has never advanced past the quarterfinals at the Paris Masters - perhaps as a result of the tournament's position in the calendar - and the Swiss player hopes to improve that record this week.

"This has been by far my worst Masters 1000 tournament, so I hope I can do well this year," said Federer. "I've always tried to come here and do really well. I don't remember coming here and saying: 'You know what? This is less important than the World Tour Finals.'

"Quarters is just not good enough for me, and that's why I hope I can change it this year. We'll see how it goes."

Federer opens against Richard Gasquet on Wednesday.