Roger Federer not thinking about retirement: 'My fans know I would like to continue this way'

World number two Roger Federer claims he is not thinking about retirement for now after a remarkable year that saw him win seven titles.

The Swiss ace ended a run of five years without a Grand Slam when he returned from an injury lay-off to win the Australian Open in January earlier this year.

Federer went on to win an additional six titles, including a record-breaking eighth Wimbledon crown as he took his total tally to 95 singles titles and 19 Grand Slams.

Many believe it will be hard for him to emulate his performances in 2018, which will see the return of many injured stars such as Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

There's also the concern that despite defying the odds this year at 36, his age will still be a factor as Federer himself claimed in October that he knew retirement was coming sooner or later.

However, he has now changed his tune, stating that he does not want to make retirement a reality by thinking about it.

"After winning all the major titles, journalists looked at new things," Federer told Coopzeitung.ch via Tennis World USA.

"There are many speculations about my retirement, and they won't end until when it gets real. I try not to think about retirement too often, cause I think the more you think about it, the closer it gets."

As for a timeline regarding how long he plays more, Federer believes he will continue as long as he enjoys the sport and is able to balance it with his family life.

"We will see for how much time I will be able to play," he added. "My fans know I would like to continue this way, until when I will enjoy playing tennis and am able to reconcile my sports activity with family life.

"Any other success is an extra-satisfaction, especially since a few people believed I could win the 18th Grand Slam title."