Roger Federer, 35 years young: 'I still have so much in the tank'

Roger Federer says he is still "riding the wave" of his Australian Open victory, sounding even more determined to keep playing while also indicating he is not back in full training a week before his scheduled return in Dubai.

Speaking to *The New York Times*, Federer acknowledged that his run in Melbourne produced momentary flashbacks of Pete Sampras' 2002 victory at the U.S. Open, which prompted Sampras to retire on a winning note.

"I guess in a faraway place it did," he said. "But then again, the joy was so big, and I kept on watching the reaction of my team when I won the match point in Australia, and how they were jumping for joy."

Rather than it being a reason to retire, the 18-time Grand Slam champion suggested the victory could be a reason to keep playing.

“I understand people who say, ‘Oh, this would be a perfect moment,’" he said. "But I feel like I’ve put in so much work, and I love it so much. And I still have so much in the tank.

"The goal, when I took my break of six months, was doing this for the next couple years, not just for one tournament.”

Federer, who was returning from a six-month break for knee problems, had not won a Grand Slam since Wimbledon in 2012. That long gap has led to a long victory lap, which he said had "maybe the longest effect of any of the Grand Slam wins in my career."

“I’m so happy because I didn’t have to play in the following weeks,” he said. “It’s really allowed me to reflect and enjoy. In 2003, when I won Wimbledon for the first time, I was in Gstaad the next day practicing and stuff. It’s very different this time. I’m still riding the wave.”

He's scheduled to return to competition next week in Dubai, but said he has been limiting his training. He experienced upper leg problems during the Australian Open.

"I’m still not back in practice at 100 percent," he said. "I have to be careful."

Federer is No. 9 in the rankings.