Roger Federer (Photo : Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
After enduring a torn meniscus in his knee and a recurring back injury last season, Roger Federer thinks he will still be a major force to be reckoned with as long as he stays healthy throughout the season. This is what Federer assured reporters via Tennis World USA days before kicking off his 2017 campaign in Perth.
Federer believes staying in tip-top shape will be the x-factor in every tournament he'll compete in next year. Moreover, the Swiss Maestro seems pretty much confident about his ability to match up with the world's best despite turning 35 last August.
"Winning titles is a beautiful feeling; rankings at the moment, completely secondary. As long as I'm healthy and injury-free, I think I can really do some damage," Federer on his chance to bag titles, including Grand Slams, next year.
Federer also revealed the reason why he had to shut down his activity earlier last season, adding that he did what's necessary to extend his career to at least 2 to 3 years.
"Only when I get asked do I think of things like this. I don't see it like this, that this could be my last Australian trip, even though it might very well be. I'm really positive. I took these six months off so I would be playing for hopefully another two to three years, not just another six months or so. So my mindset is for the long term."
Federer, the no.16 ranked player in the ATP World Rankings, is scheduled to play Dan Evans on Monday. The 17-time Grand Slam champion said he aims to get back into the rhythm in his first match at the Hopman Cup 2017. He promises to give his 100 percent in his first match, hoping to stay injury-free and get solid results on the court.
