Roger Federer has laid to rest unfounded retirement speculation by confirming he has no plans to bow out

THE tears flowed for Roger Federer after the Swiss maestro claimed a record 20th grand slam title last night. See what the champion had to say after his emotional Australian Open win.

Marin Cilic with Roger Federer after the Australian Open. Picture: Getty Images

ROGER Federer has laid to rest unfounded retirement speculation by confirming he has no plans to bow out.

For the second year in a row, Federer’s Australian Open triumph has been shadowed by “conspiracy theories” the Swiss maestro is about to take his leave.

After his Open triumph fans were also quick to wonder whether the game’s greatest male player might be pondering the end, as tears flowed from the highly-emotional superstar.

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“No idea. Honest, I don’t know. I have no idea,” Federer said when asked, at 36, how long he could continue at such a stellar level.

“I’ve won three slams (two Australian titles and a Wimbledon) now in 12 months. I can’t believe it myself.

“I just got to keep a good schedule, stay hungry, then maybe good things can happen.

“Then I don’t think age is an issue, per se. It’s just a number.

Roger Federer holds his trophy. Picture: AP Photo/Dita Alangkara

“But I need to be very careful in my planning, really decide beforehand what are my goals, what are my priorities. I think that’s what’s going to dictate how successful I will be.

“Exciting times ahead. But, no, as a professional, it’s what we do. But I’m happy I’m in that position right now.”

Jubilant after posting a record 20th grand slam victory, Federer said there are multiple factors behind his success — most significantly, his wife Mirka.

“I think by not overplaying, not playing every tournament possible,” he said of the secrets behind his longevity.

An emotional Federer after his five-set triumph. Pic: Getty Images

“I enjoy practice. Not minding the travel. Having a great team around me, they make it possible.

“At the end it’s seeing that my parents (Robert and Lynette) are incredibly proud and happy that I’m still doing it. They enjoy coming to tournaments. That makes me happy and play better.

“Then, of course, my wife who makes it all possible.

“Without her support, I wouldn’t be playing tennis no more since many years. But we had a very open conversation, if she was happy to do this or not, years ago.

“I’m happy that she’s super supportive, and she’s willing to take on a massive workload with the (four) kiddies.

“Same for me, because I wouldn’t want to be away from my kids for more than two weeks. This life wouldn’t work if she said no.

It was all too much for Federer. Pic: Getty Images

“Many puzzles need to fit together for me to be able to sit here tonight.”

Surprised the Rod Laver Arena roof was closed for the final, Federer admitted he experience and luck helped him survive.

And he admitted his post-match emotion caught him by surprise.

“I’ve had these moments in the past, but maybe never as extreme as tonight. Getting to 20 is obviously very, very special, no doubt,” he said.

“It’s about living the emotions that I went through tonight again at the trophy ceremony, going through a tough rollercoaster match, five-setter against Cilic, who is a great player, and then getting No 6 here, No 20 overall. It’s just a very special moment.

“Defending my title from last year, sort of the fairytale continues. That’s what stands out for me, maybe not equalling (Roy) Emerson or Novak (Djokovic).

Federer wipes tears from his eyes after downing a gallant Marin Cilic. Pic: AP Photo/Dita Alangkara

“They had their own unbelievable careers. I admire what they’re doing and have done with Emo. Yeah, it’s definitely a very special moment in my life again.”

Federer revealed he couldn’t see Laver taking photos of him post-match.

“I didn’t see that through my thick tears, that he was taking a picture of me crying,” he grinned.

“I think what happened is I got to the finals very quickly. The semis was cut short.

“I had a lot of emotions left in me because I didn’t have to go to extreme like last year against Nishikori, Stan, so forth.

“I think when it was all said and done, it reminded me very much of the (Marcos) Baghdatis final, which was tough. I was the favourite. I got to the finals in a really good manner.

“When it was all said and done, ‘Rocket’ (Laver) gave me the trophy, I was standing in front of the people, I don’t know, it’s when it really hits me.

Roger Federer celebrates after beating Marin Cilic. Picture: AFP PHOTO

When I start thinking about what I was going to say, every subject I touch actually is very meaningful and very emotional.

“Thanking your team, congratulating Marin, thanking the people, thanking the tournament. At the end it’s like one big party.

“But I hoped over time in the speech I would start to relax a little bit, but I couldn’t. It was what it was.

“I wish it wasn’t so sometimes. At the same time I’m happy I can show emotions and share it with the people.

“If I got emotional, it’s because it was a full crowd again. No people in the stadium wouldn’t make me emotional, I’ll tell you that. This is for them really also.”