Roger Federer had an impressive 2017 campaign, winning seven titles including the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

However, a blip in form towards the back end of the season saw him miss out on the world No 1 spot to his great rival Rafael Nadal.

Federer has admitted he now plans on taking further precautions this season to ensure he does not burn out in the latter stages.

And speaking ahead of his Australian Open clash with Aljaz Bedene, the 36-year-old Swiss has claimed he will look to play a much more aggressive style of tennis in 2018.

When asked what the new year will have in store, Federer replied: “I will try to play more forward, which I struggled to do in the second half of 2017.

“I don't know if Montreal was the cause of it. I may have lost a little bit of confidence there.

“I don't know if it's really like this because also in Shanghai I played well.

“Maybe it was due to fatigue? But again I took breaks…

“Let's say that I wasn't relaxed and serene anymore like I was at the beginning of the season when I was coming from a training period where I knew exactly what to do.

“At the end of the year, I focused more on opponents and surfaces and I think that this year I will focus more on how I want to play, and others will have to adapt. 

“What does it mean? Well, I will try to play more aggressive, to go to the net more, because that's what gives me the biggest pleasure.

“I will have to be myself. I know my priorities, I will have to save my body that has already given enough.”