Roger Federer has dropped a major hint that he may skip the French Open next year to keep himself from getting burnt out and finish the year like he did in 2017. The Swissman earmarked the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open as cornerstones while the others around them have to fall into place.

The Swiss ace skipped the entire clay court swing of the season this year following a blistering start to the season that saw him win three of the four events he entered. He went on to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2017, his best return in a year since 2012.

Federer's biggest takeaway from 2017 was his ability to manage his fitness, which came with playing fewer games and choosing his tournaments intelligently. However, he has revealed that he regrets missing out on the majority of the clay tournaments, but his latest statement suggests that he may have to do with more of the same if he has to keep winning at the grand stage.

"Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open are cornerstones, everything which lies between we'll take it from there," Federer told SFR Sport, as quoted by the Express. "We'll only step on the court if we are 100% fit."

Meanwhile, Federer claims he is not thinking about retirement for now after a remarkable year that saw him win seven titles, more than arch-rival Rafael Nadal, who finished the year with six.

"I currently intend to continue to play for a longer period, hopefully for a few more years," he added. "I doubt though, it will be another 10 years."

His one major disappointment of the year was not being able to beat Nadal to the number one crown after the Spaniard managed to make the position his own by qualifying to the quarter-final stages of the Paris Masters. He has however given up on chasing the spot as he believes it affects his composure in games.

Roger Federer
Roger Federer took his Grand Slam tally to 19 in 2017 following his wins in Australia and London Getty
Roger Federer Rafael Nadal French Open