‘Don’t think I can win 24 Grand Slam titles’

After winning his 20th Grand Slam, Federer says surpassing Margaret Court (24), Serena Williams (23) and Steffi Graf (22) looks too far at the moment

MELBOURNE: Roger Federer feels winning 24 grand slams is “too far” after his latest Australian Open success. The Swiss great secured his 20th major and record-equalling sixth title in Melbourne with a thrilling fiveset win over Marin Cilic in Sunday’s final.

While Federer has won the most grand slams of any man, he trails Margaret Court (24), Serena Williams (23) and Steffi Graf (22) overall. Asked in Melbourne on Monday if he could match Court’s total, Federer said that was unlikely. “I don’t know, I don’t think so. I didn’t think 20 was ever possible to be honest. I think it’s too far,” he told a news conference. “It’s not something I’m looking at. I’ve never thought about it to be honest. Those numbers are surreal and they’re amazing. I’m very happy if it stays at 20, but what a moment.”

Federer, 36, has won three of the past four Grand Slams he has played and has shown no signs of slowing down. He was still struggling to believe his latest success, which saw him draw level with Roy Emerson and Novak Djokovic on six Australian Open titles. “I’m still a little bit confused that it’s all over and that I was able to do it, reach number 20, number six here, and it’s just a lot trying to take it in,” he said.

“Last year it felt more straightforward, it was just disbelief, couldn’t believe it happened and there I was waking up with a trophy, but this year seems more surreal. “I can’t believe I was able to defend my title after all these years, that I could do it again. It’s very special and I don’t know, maybe this one is going to take longer to sink in, I’m not sure, this is how it feels right now.”

Federer said his age didn’t come into it when questions were raised about his continuing longevity. “I don’t think age is an issue, it’s just a number,” he said. “But I need to be very careful in my planning, really decide beforehand what are my goals, what are my priorities. I think that’s what’s going to dictate how successful I will be.”

But he added: “Exciting times ahead. As a professional, it’s what we do. But I’m happy I’m in that position right now.”

Federer was the oldest man at 36 to reach the Australian Open final since Australians Ken Rosewall (37) and Mal Anderson (36) played in the 1972 decider.

He explained his circumstances which allowed him to play on. “I think by not overplaying, not playing every tournament possible. I enjoy practice. Not minding the travel. Having a great team around me, they make it possible,” he said.

“At the end it’s seeing that my parents are incredibly proud and happy that I’m still doing it. They

2018 enjoy coming to tournaments. That makes me happy and play better.” Federer is the father of two sets of twins, Myla Rose and Charlene Riva and Leo and Lenny with wife Mirka, a former player he met at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Despite his win Federer will remain world No.2 behind Nadal.

ON NADAL’S HEELS

PARIS: Roger Federer’s victory in the Australian Open has taken him to within 155 points of world number one Rafael Nadal in the ATP rankings released on Monday. Nadal, who was knocked out in the quarter-finals in Melbourne, has 9,760 points with Federer on 9,605.

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