Federer took the second half of 2016 off to deal with back and knee injuries, a move that appeared to work as he returned to win two more Grand Slams this year.

The Swiss also dodged the clay-court season in an effort to keep himself in shape for other surfaces, a nod to his advancing years.

But the 36-year-old has no plans to retire quite yet, even if he does not expect to still be going in his mid-40s.

“I currently intend to continue to play for a longer period, hopefully for a few more years,” Federer told Swiss publication SRF.

“I doubt though it will be another 10 years.”

Federer took his Grand Slam tally to 19 in 2017, a year that also saw Rafael Nadal add two more to his career record as well as finish the season as the oldest ever world No 1 at the age of 31.

However, both men were able to capitalise on injuries to a number of top players and Federer admits his own success will be impacted by their returns.

"I wonder how [Novak] Djokovic, [Andy] Murray, [Stan] Wawrinka, [Kei] Nishikori and [Milos] Raonic will come back,” Federer added.

“That will have an impact.

“I’m assuming that one of those players will also tear up ropes.

“As a result, you also lose a game more and will thus also win one or two tournaments less.

“I won't probably live the same emotions as 2017.

“But I have been able to surprise myself for all these years, so I hope to have good moments again.

“It’s been a massive year – perhaps my favourite!

“If 2018 is half as successful, then I’ll be happy.”