Roger Federer insists that he will return to the US Open in 2016 despite losing Sunday’s final to Novak Djokovic.
Federer, who will be 35 next year, won his last title of five in New York back in 2008.
But at the presentation ceremony, he had no intention of following women’s champion Flavia Pennetta by announcing his retirement.
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“I’m very pleased with where my game is at,” said Federer, who won the most recent of his 17 majors at Wimbledon in 2012.
“It feels like it has moved in the right direction. I’m back in the final for the first time since 2009. I love the sport. I’ve got a lot of passion. One last thing – I’ll see you guys next year.”
Federer was bidding to become the oldest champion in New York since 35-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1970. But he failed to breach Djokovic’s formidable defensive skills, managing to convert just four of 23 break point opportunities.
He had also strung together 28 consecutive sets in a run stretching back to the Wimbledon final in July, which he also lost to Djokovic.
Federer, the world No2, still believes he can still punch his weight at the highest level, with his five tour titles so far in 2015 only serving to boost his confidence.
“I am very disappointed. I had my chances on my racquet. I should never been down in the score the way I was,” said the Swiss.
“But Novak did a great job of fending them off. It was a tough night. (However), I’m playing good tennis. I am happy with where my level is at. I’m able to beat the best players regularly.”
Federer said his success at the Cincinnati Masters on the eve of the US Open convinced him that he still had enough left in the tank.
It was his seventh triumph in the American midwest, achieved by beating Andy Murray and Djokovic in the semi-finals and final respectively.
“Cincinnati was a great feeling, beating the world number one and two in the same week. I don’t think I have done that before.”
“I did win my tournaments, the ones I was supposed to. Year’s not over yet. I usually do have a strong finishes to the season, and I hope I can do that again.”
As far as the world No1 is concerned, Federer admits Djokovic will collect many more major titles.
“He has perfected his game on the hard courts. He was always a great clay-court player, and because he moves as well as he does, he’s solid now on the grass.
He’s got to stay healthy and hungry, but obviously you would think he will win more.”
