Federer out for first big win in Monaco

By Julien Pretot

MONTE CARLO (Reuters) - Roger Federer will be out to claim his first big title of the year at the prestigious Monte Carlo Masters which starts on Sunday.

The world number one, who failed to retain his Australian Open crown in January, has also come away empty-handed from Masters Series events in Indian Wells and Miami.

Federer started his preparations for the French Open by reaching the final of this week's Estoril Open claycourt event.

"(Claycourt tennis) is a different sport almost," the Swiss told reporters at last month's Miami Masters.

Federer said he would play an extra tournament on the slow surface in order to get ready for next month's French Open, a title he has yet to lift.

The 12-times grand slam winner, who has not had a coach since splitting with Tony Roche in May, has hired 55-year-old Spaniard Jose Higueras to improve his claycourt game.

GLANDULAR FEVER