Switzerland's [Images] Roger Federer [Images] is content to rely on his own instincts to stay on top of the world rankings and has decided against taking on a coach.

"I don't think I am going to have a full-time coach right now. I think I have become good in analysing my own game," the runaway world number one said on Sunday ahead of next week's $1 million Qatar Open.

"Maybe I will seek some coach's help at specific tournaments."

Federer, who won three of the four Grand Slam titles last year without the help of a coach, had been linked with Tony Roche before the Australian's aversion to overseas travel scuppered any plans of a deal.

Rumours of a compromise persisted, though, until Federer's announcement on Sunday that he would go it alone.

Federer will be the overwhelming favourite to win the Qatar crown although history will be against him.

Only once in the 12-year history of the tournament has the top seed triumphed -- Stefan Edberg in 1995.

However, Federer is determined to carry on from where he left last season.

"I came here five days in advance. This is an important tournament for me. It's the first tournament of the year and I am keen to maintain my form and determined to start the new season on a winning note," he said.

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