Roger Federer proved this season he could still add another title in his Grand Slam record even at this stage of his career, but the Swiss Maestro believes it will not happen until he overcomes world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.

"Novak's definitely the man to beat at the moment,” Federer told ESPN. “He's had an unreal season again. He's not only doing it at the Slams, but he's also doing it on the tour week in, week out. It's tough to break that for any player right now.

Federer has showed this year he can play great tennis and go head-to-head with “Djoker” despite an aging body. The 34-year-old Swiss beat Djokovic twice this season in the Dubai and Cincinnati finals. However, “The Fed” failed to triumph in bigger tournaments, having lost twice against Djokovic in Wimbledon and the US Open finals.

Federer also cleared the air about his retirement from the sport. The 17-time Grand Slam winner revealed he has a clear idea of his plans for next year and said he will play through the end of 2016.

Federer is competing at the ATP Swiss Indoors in Basel, where he attempts to grab a seventh title in his hometown. He easily won his opening match against Mikhail Kukushkin 6-1 6-2, which only lasted for 55 minutes, and booked a second round match with Germany’s Philipp Kohlshcreiber, who defeated Jerzy Janowicz of Poland in the first round 6-4 3-6 6-3.

With a sixth ATP World Title of the season in the line, and the chance to play in front of his fellow countrymen, Federer joined the tournament as the “firm favourite” to win the event, according to Sky Sports’ Barry Cowan. Federer has already won 21 indoor titles in his illustrious tennis career, and is poised to add another win as he tries to end the season on a high note.

Federer is trying to bounce back from a shocking first round exit against Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas at the Shanghai Rolex Masters earlier this month scand vows to finish the year strong to reclaim his world No. 2 spot from Andy Murray in the Emirates ATP rankings.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au , or let us know what you think below.

RELATED STORIES