Roger Federer is not considering retirement anytime soon, insisting that he is still hungry to win when he return to the Tour in 2017.
In an interview with The New York Times, Federer addressed talks of him retiring from the sport after an injury-plagued season that saw the Swiss Maestro out of the top 10 in the ATP world rankings for the first time in more than 13 years.
The Basel native admitted he got a taste of retirement during his time away from tennis, but while it has given him precious time with his family, Federer insisted that moment can wait as he is still hungry to add another major in his all-time record of 17 Grand Slam singles titles.
"All of the sudden, I could be organized and say: 'O.K., we're going to be four weeks at home in a row in the same place. Who do you want to go for dinner with, Mirka? Or who shall we catch up with? I think that was really exciting and good for us to have that time. It did feel good, but it can totally wait. No problem for me. It can totally wait. I'm still hungry," Federer said.
Considering the injuries Federer suffered in 2016, it would be difficult to see the 35-year-old Swiss competing for another major. But Federer, who returned to full training last month after a lengthy lay-off from the sport due to a knee injury, is positive about his chances of winning another Grand Slam title when he returns to the Tour next year.
"I feel very positive about my chances of achieving another Grand Slam and winning those big matches when it matters," the world No. 16 said, reports the Gulf Today. "You put in everything that you can physically to be in tip-top shape when that Grand Slam final or semi comes around."
Federer last conquered a Grand Slam event back in 2012 at Wimbledon, where the Swiss defeated Andy Murray in the final round of the tournament to win his 17th major title. Federer will get a chance to chase Grand Slam title No. 18 once he returns to the Tour next year at the Australian Open.