(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Roger Federer believes he is still capable of adding a few more Grand Slams to his tally of 17 titles before his retirement.
The world number two and defending champion of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships feels his future depends on scheduling and his ability to stay injury-free.
"I strongly believe I have more Slams in me. It depends upon how long I play. How injury-free I stay and what new generation comes up and how solid the rest of the guys are going to be. But I don't want to be dependent on what the other guys do," the 31-year old told reporters during a round-table conference at the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel here on Sunday.
"I want to make sure that I put myself in position that my game is good enough to be there. That is why I am making sure I practice enough, trying to be smart with my scheduling. They (younger players) are right in the prime. I consider the prime between 23 and 27. So for me it is very challenging"it is very exciting. So that is where I need to make the right decisions," he said.
Asked about his favourite Grand Slam title, he said: "Which Slam do I favour - does Wimbledon over-weigh the rest? Maybe, but looking back there have been amazing moments with each Slam."
While answering queries about his plans for retirement, Federer said: "Right now I am focused on my match tomorrow. With practice by the next few years, I just want to give myself the best possible chance to play as long as I can and then eventually it will be clear it is time to stop. But the time is definitely not now. But then again we know things change very quickly so you just got to be ready for it and open for it. I am not being naïve that I think I can play for another 50 years, but would like to give myself a chance to still play for many more years to come.
"I am very happy today sitting here and telling you that I am very healthy and happy to be still playing " may be the number one ranking" may be for Grand Slams, big tournaments like the world tour finals. All these things are really important for me and as long as I feel I am competitive, I enjoy it and I keep on playing for a long time.
When asked whether it would be possible to regain the number one ranking, he said: "Absolutely realistic, if you play great. But you need to play absolutely great and the question is will I be able to do that or will I be allowed to - time will tell. I know it is possible to win tournaments. My big focus is on making sure that every tournament I enter I am perfectly prepared. I am hopeful I will get enough matches but if not my schedule can be changed.
"I need to make sure I have enough time off, so that when 2014 comes I am in a position with options which I almost wasn't this year to a degree."
In his first round match here on Monday, Federer meets the world number 130 Malek Jaziri from Tunisia and the Swiss is looking forward to the challenge. "I never played him. It is the first time I am getting involved with him. I know he is a good player. I think it is always tricky particularly I don't know exactly his pattern, his favourite shots - those things I still need to listen around a bit, speak to some friends and my coach."
On Rafael Nadal's return after injury, he said: "It's not only him who needs to be careful but all of us. How much travelling can you do? How much training? How much sleep does the body need? How much time away from the game do you need? Everyone is different."
While talking about his future plans, Federer said: "My philosophy is to keep on playing, keep the momentum going and not that you arrive at the Olympics or Wimbledon or somewhere during that hot phase and you are lacking matches. I am not 22 years old where I could play 25 to 30 tournaments a year."
Federer is also quite keen to play more matches in the Dubai tournament. "I would like to come back here for many more years. The tournament has been here for so long."
By Adur Pradeep
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