Roger Federer arrives for Brisbane International with goal of getting 'back into the groove' Roger Federer on centre court ahead of the Brisbane International, which begins on Sunday. IT HAS taken 16 seasons into his record-smashing career for Roger Federer to reach Brisbane, but the tennis superstar is primed to get "back into the groove" in his Queensland tournament debut. Ticket pre-sales before the start of the Brisbane International on Sunday point to the tournament attendance record of 92,804, set in 2012, falling as fans clamour to see drawcards Federer and world women's No.1 Serena Williams. In pictures: Fed express rolls into Brisbane Federer, the dapper winner of an unmatched 17 men's Grand Slam tennis titles, showed he can even get off a long-haul flight from Dubai with class, patiently posing for photos with starstruck fans as he walked through the arrivals hall at Brisbane Airport. A series of uncustomary losses in 2013 that dropped him to world No.6 appeared to sit lightly on his shoulders as he spoke about the benefits of four weeks training in Dubai. "I am looking forward to getting to know the city," he said. The goals are simple here in Brisbane, get back into the groove. Federer will tonight speak at a private dinner for 100 guests at a city hotel alongside Queensland champion Rod Laver. Roger Federer says he is 'energized' and ready to challenge the best after enjoying his off-season. He has a first round bye at the Queensland Tennis Centre and will play either Sydney 21-year-old James Duckworth or tour veteran Jarkko Nieminen. Federer was 14 when he joined his family on a road trip from Sydney to Cairns, with a couple of days in Brisbane, and he retains vivid memories of it. He announced on Christmas Day he and his wife Mirka are expecting their third child. Mirka and four-year-old twins Charlene and Myla are staying with him in Brisbane . The Brisbane International is one of Queensland's most high-profile sporting events.