Clock ticking but Federer vows to return after Australian Open defeat to Djokovic
Swiss star is beaten but unbowed at Australian Open
Dubai: Roger Federer was out but not too down after his Australian Open defeat to Novak Djokovic.
The Swiss third seed was overpowered by is Serbian opponent 7-6, 6-4, 6-3 but, despite clearly hampered by an injury, Federer reckons he is still a force to be reckoned with.
"Yes, I do believe that," the world number three said, when asked he if he was confident about adding to his 20 Grand Slam titles.
"I think by having the year that I had last year, also with what I have in my game, how I'm playing, I do feel that, yeah."
Federer is now 38 but is already eyeing a return to Melbourne next year.
"You never know what the future holds. Especially my age, you don't know," he said.
"I'm confident. I'm happy how I'm feeling, to be honest. I got through a good, nice training block. No plans to retire.
"From that standpoint, we'll see how the year goes, how everything is with the family. We'll go from there. Of course, I hope to be back."