London: Roger Federer insists tennis is in his DNA and that he has no intention of quitting after his worst season came to a downbeat conclusion with a semifinal defeat to Rafael Nadal at the ATP World Tour Finals.
Federer has endured a dismal campaign marred by a series of shock defeats and the 17-time Grand Slam champion was unable to finish on a high note as world number one Nadal sent him crashing out of the season-ending event with a 7-5, 6-3 victory on Sunday.
After reigning over men’s tennis for the best part of a decade, the 32-year-old is undeniably a fading force, prompting some to suggest he may consider hanging up his racquet to focus on life as a father of twin daughters.
But Federer is adamant that is not an option just yet because his love of the sport remains too strong.
“For me, it’s pretty simple: this is what I used to do as a little boy. It’s something that always is there in your DNA,” Federer said.
“Clearly today it’s different than when I was 12 years old, but it’s just something I enjoy doing.
“The thing is that when you stop, you’re still so young that why stop so early? Why just walk away from it because I have many other things to do in my life than play tennis, but because I can still choose, I pick to play.
“As long as I have this choice, I’ll keep on playing.”
Federer, troubled by a back injury in the first half of the campaign, claims his lack of success over the last 11 months is more down to his body failing him than a lack of hunger.
“Considering the back issues I’ve had, I’m pleased that I’m pain-free for a long period of time now with a lot of tennis,” he said.
“That’s definitely going to give me confidence physically and mentally.
“The Grand Slams are going to be part of my highlights in 2014 and I’m hoping to make sure I play my best there.” (AFP)