Federer hopes to carry Olympic flag again for Switzerland

Roger Federer hopes to celebrate his 27th birthday on Aug. 8 by carrying the flag again for Switzerland at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.

"It's my birthday on the day of the opening ceremony," Federer told reporters. "Maybe I will carry the flag again for Switzerland. I'd be very honoured.

"The Olympic Games is a dream for all sportspeople," added Federer, who was surprisingly beaten in the second round by Tomas Berdych four years ago in Athens and lost the bronze medal match in 2000.

Rafael Nadal, ranked second in the world behind Federer, is also looking forward to playing in Beijing and staying at the Olympic Village, even if it means slumming it a bit.

"The Olympics will be important," said the Spaniard, who played in the doubles at the 2004 Games. "It'll be a nice experience to be with the top sportsmen of the world.

"If you go to the Olympics you have to stay in the Village. Tennis players always have good facilities, a nice hotel personal transportation.

"It will be different, but if you go to the Olympics you can't not stay in the Village."