Just over a decade ago, the Swiss master became world
number one for the first time but, instead of deciding to "chase money
or more tournament victories", he and his team opted to focus on
extending his competitive career for as long as possible.
"The idea was always trying to be around the game
for a long time," world number two Federer told reporters after cruising
into the third round of the BNP Paribas Open with a commanding 6-4, 6-2
victory over Argentina's Diego Schwartzman.
"And for that in
2004, when I became world No. 1, I took a decision with my fitness coach
at the time that we're going to plan long-term. Whatever we will do, we
will plan long-term.
"Sure, we can chase money or more tournament victories. We can
play more frequently, train harder, whatever we will do. But we decided
we will try to stay around 20 tournaments during the year, which is a
lower number."
During the 1990s, many players competed in at least 30 tournaments each
year and Federer cited the example of Russia's former world number one Yevgeny Kafelnikov, who clinched the 1996 French Open and the 1999 Australian Open.
"If you look back,
Kafelnikov used to play 30 or 32 events back in the day," said the
33-year-old Swiss, a 17-times grand slam singles champion. "I said
that's not something I really want to do.
"If I play, I want to play good. I want to play
injury-free if possible, but of course all the top guys, we also play
hurt.
"But the
goal was to stay around for a long time. I did get inspired by seeing
32-year-olds, 35-year-olds, and actually I felt they almost did me a
favor that I could play against them."
Federer, who
believes he is playing some of the best tennis of his career at the age
of 33, says he continues to learn about the game and is proud to be able
to inspire younger players through his own example.
"My best memories are playing against the guys I used to
see on TV," he said. "It's not like I'm doing the young guys now a favor
to still be around, but I think down the stretch it might be
appreciated (by them).
"For me, it was important trying to stay around for as long as
possible because I do love the game. I'm happy the plan worked, that at
33 I'm still being super competitive and healthy and happy to be on
tour.
"I still
believe I can improve my game... I think you have to try to reinvent
yourself. Tennis is actually one of those sports where I feel like you
can always do better."
Date: 16th March 2015, Source: Reuters
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