Roger Federer hints that the end of his tennis career may be near
© Getty Images
Roger Federerâs 18th Grand Slam win might have rekindled his fans' hopes of his return to the top, but according to him it might just have been his one last hurrah. Federer is aware that he has âonly so much tennis leftâ in him, although he has hoped that this was not his last Australian Open.
"I hope to see you next year, but if not, then it was a wonderful year here and I couldn't be happier tonight" âwhat Federer said in his acceptance speech after his win over Rafael Nadal in the final led to a
The 35-year-old came back from his longest injury layoff, including his first surgery, to win his 5th Australian Open. When asked about whether he has hinted that this could be his last visit to Australia, Federer said, "This is all about, you know, knowing that I have only so much tennis left in me.
"If I do get injured, you know, maybe if I miss next year, who knows what happens... You never know when your next Grand Slam is going to be, if ever.
"You never know if you're going to have an opportunity at this stage."
Federer went on to claim that he has no plans of retiring in the immediate future and has hoped for a return to the Rod Laver Arena next year.
"Look, I've had a tough year last year. Three five-setters are not going to help. I just meant it the way I meant it.
"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," he added.
I can't compare this one to any other one except for maybe the French Open in '09. I waited for the French Open, I tried, I fought. I tried again and failed. Eventually I made it. This feels similar.
Roger Federer
Federer ranked his latest triumph alongside the French Open title in 2009 which completed a career Grand Slam. He said, "I think this one will take more time to sink in. When I go back to Switzerland, I'll think, 'Wow'. The magnitude of this match is going to feel different.
"I can't compare this one to any other one except for maybe the French Open in '09. I waited for the French Open, I tried, I fought. I tried again and failed.
After losing four major finals against Rafael Nadal, Federer is cherishing this win over his nemesis. He went on to say that the Spaniard has made him a better player throughout the course of his career.
"Rafa definitely has been very particular in my career. I think he made me a better player.
"
"It remains for me the ultimate challenge to play against him. So it's definitely very special.
"I said that also before the finals: if I were to win against Rafa, it would be super-special and very sweet because I haven't beaten him in a Grand Slam final for a long, long time now,â he added.
