36-year-old Swiss marvel Roger Federer after winning his third Grand Slam title in a year and a record 20th title has said retirement from tennis is not yet on his mind.
Age-defying Roger reached his 30th Grand Slam decider and claiming his sixth Australian crown. The world No.2 won back-to-back Australian Open by beating Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 on Sunday, dropping his only sets off a stress-free tournament.
Federer, who downed great rival Rafael Nadal in a classic five-set Australian final last year, eased through this year’s event with five of his seven matches finishing under two hours and he spent just a total of 13hr 53min in court.
However, when asked after his Melbourne triumph and how long he can continue at the summit of men’s tennis, he replied: “No idea. Honest, I don’t know. I have no idea. “I’ve won three slams now in 12 months. I can’t believe it myself. I just got to keep a good schedule, stay hungry, then maybe good things can happen.”
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.” ‘Sic’
He added: “Exciting times ahead. As a professional, it’s what we do. But I’m happy I’m in that position right now” as his emotional victory on Sunday put him alongside Novak Djokovic and Australian Roy Emerson the most Australian titles winners.
