On the one hand, Roger Federer says he doesn't want to retire too young. On the other, he doesn't want to play if it means he can't compete at the highest level.
According to the International Business Times, the 32-year-old Swiss athlete who once dominated men's tennis, remains confident about his game despite not reaching a Grand Slam final in 2013 - the first time that's happened since 2002.
"The thing is that when you stop, you are still young," Federer said. "So, why stop early? I can still decide, and I chose to play. So as long as I have this choice, I will keep on playing."
Federer lost to Rafael Nadal 7-5, 6-3 in the semifinals of the ATP World Tour Finals on Sunday, ending his 2013 season ranked seventh in the world. For any regular tennis player, such a ranking would be an achievement.
Federer, however, is not just any tennis player. He has held the No. 1 position in the game for 302 weeks overall, including a span from 2004-08 in which he was No. 1 for 237 consecutive weeks.
The International Business Times reported that Federer still feels good about his game, but did give an indication that parameters do exist for him to continue playing.
"I believe that I had a strong finish in Basle, Paris, and London," Federer said. "I feel more positive than I was several months ago. "I feel confident moving on to the offseason.
"But it is significant that I stay within a certain ranking while making sure than I also stay spirited."
Federer did not indicate what ranking would be required for him to stay spirited, but a resurgence while competing against younger players such as Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray seems a formidable task for a player on the other side of 30.
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