With his linguistic prowess, dealing with the press -- newspapers, radio and TV -- can take up to an hour after each match the Swiss plays.

Considering he makes a routine out of reaching finals, that's a lot of talking and the world number one has started to rein in his media obligations to concentrate on his game.

"I have definitely cut down on the interviews on off-days because I used to do more off-court activities," said Federer.

"I was trying to do all kinds of things and make everybody happy. Now it's about really trying to rest yourself and not get too tired because of doing too much media."

Federer is acutely aware of his public responsibilities.

But the prospect of finally winning a French Open, and becoming only the third man in history to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time, is too tantalisingly close for him to be distracted.

"I want to enjoy coming into the press room so I think less is more now in my career," added the world number one.

"I can concentrate on my private life and the tennis court. The press is always there. They'll never go away."

Federer will be back in the Roland Garros press-room on Sunday after his fourth round encounter with Russian 13th seed Mikhail Youzhny who he's beaten nine times out of nine.

Victory there would take him a step closer to a highly-anticipated final against double defending champion Rafael Nadal, the man who stands between the Swiss and history.

But Federer, beaten by Nadal twice in the last two years here, is not looking that far ahead.

Only Youzhny is occupying his thoughts.

"He had a breakthrough last year at the US Open where he beat Rafa and played a close semifinal against Roddick," said the top seed.

"I think he's a fantastic player. He's always been famous for playing exceptionally well in practice but for some reason he couldn't tie it together in a match situation.