FED’S NO T DONE YET
HARD on the heels of the classic, stand by for the encore.
Roger Federer intends to defend the Australian Open title in 2018, revealing he hopes to play on for a “couple more years”.
The Swiss champion hinted post- match he might not return to Australia after securing an 18th major.
He clarified the remarks yesterday, remaining positive about his future after overcoming three injuries last year.
“I felt I could thank so many people at once ( at the trophy presentation),” he said, explaining why he thanked the crowd while raising the possibility he had contested his last Australian Open.
“It’s a live audience. It’s a moment for me to be appreciative of them.
“I’ve had a tough year last year. Three five- setters are not going to help.
“There wasn’t something planned behind it, that this is my last Australian Open. I hope can I come back, of course. That’s my hope right now.”
The comment was simply a caveat against injury after he struggled in 2016 with knee and back complaints.
Yesterday, still clasping the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, Federer laid the speculation to rest.
“I hope to be back next year, of course,” he said. “I love playing here. I’ve never missed it since ’ 98, since the juniors and then qualifying in ’ 99.
“So, yeah, the goal is absolutely to be playing.
“That’s why I took the six months off to be hopefully playing for a couple more years.”
Federer will rest for a month before resuming in Dubai and then tackling the US hardcourt swing.
He is uncertain of claycourt season plans yet, but rates Wimbledon his best chance of annexing a 19th grand slam title.
The 35- year- old conceded his limited playing lifespan made the victory over nemesis Rafael Nadal even more significant.
“Knowing that I have only so much tennis left in me, if I do get injured, maybe if I miss next year,” he said.
“Who knows what happens. You never know when your next Grand Slam is going to be, if ever.”
Federer revealed he took a different mindset into the final against Nadal, who had not lost to the Swiss in a major final since 2007.
“I told myself to play free,” he said. “You play the ball, you don’t play the opponent. Be free in your head, be free in your shots, go for it. The brave will be rewarded here.” I’LL BE BACK: Roger Federer with his Australian Open trophy in Melbourne yesterday – he wants to return next year to defend it.