Abdul signed P23 by Brave CF SPORTS 2424 Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Roger Federer eased through this year’s event with five of his seven matches finishing on or under two hours and he spent just a total of 13hr 53min on court I don’t

knowhow long I can go on Melbourne longevity. “I don’t think age is an issue, it’s just a ge-defying Roger number,” he said. Federer says after “But I need to be very careful in my planning, winningA his third Grand really decide beforehand what are my goals, Slam title in a year he has what are my priorities. “I think that’s what’s no idea how long he will going to dictate how successful I will be.” continue playing. But he added: “Exciting times ahead. As a The 36-year-old Swiss professional, it’s what we do. But I’m happy I’m marvel continues to defy in that position right now.” the years and attrition rate, His emotional victory in Sunday put him reaching his 30th Grand Slam alongside and Australian Roy decider and claiming his sixth Emerson with the most Australian titles at six. Australian crown and 20th Grand While his long-time rivals Nadal, Djokovic, Slam title. and have injury The world No.2 won back-to-back concerns heading into the new season, not Australian Opens by beating Marin Cilic only did Federer blaze on into the final but he 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 on Sunday, finished stronger than Cilic, who is seven years dropping his only sets of a stress-free younger, in the fifth set. tournament. Federer eased through this year’s Federer was the oldest man at 36 to reach event with five of his seven matches finishing on the final since Australians Ken or under two hours and he spent just a total of Rosewall (37) and Mal Anderson (36) played in 13hr 53min on court. the 1972 decider. Asked after his Melbourne triumph how He explained his circumstances which much longer he can continue at the summit allowed him to play on. of men’s , he replied: “No idea. Honest, I “I think by not overplaying, not playing don’t know. I have no idea. every tournament possible. I enjoy practice. Not “I’ve won three slams now in 12 months. I minding the travel. Having a great team around can’t believe it myself. I just got to keep a good me, they make it possible,” he said. schedule, stay hungry, then maybe good things “At the end it’s seeing that my parents are can happen.” incredibly proud and happy that I’m still doing Federer said his age didn’t come into it when it. They enjoy coming to tournaments. That questions were raised about his continuing makes me happy and play better.” (AFP)

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