Federer has grand plans for the future

NEW YORK -- Roger Federer's rivals weren't exactly writing him off. Not publicly, anyway.

Still, plenty of people were, and he heard them. Federer delivered a response with his fifth consecutive U.S. Open championship and his 13th career Grand Slam title, moving within one of Pete Sampras' record of 14.

The response amounted to this:

Don't for a minute think I'm done.

Don't for a minute think I'm going away.

Don't for a minute think I won't be collecting more of these titles.

His play delivered that message at Flushing Meadows -- particularly in one-sided victories over Novak Djokovic in the semifinals and Andy Murray in the final. Then Federer went ahead and articulated it Tuesday when asked how long he can continue to win major tournaments.

"I have the belief right now that I can do it as long as I'm healthy, really. That's the way I feel. I'm going to believe till the end of my tennis days that I probably can win a Grand Slam," he told a small group of reporters at the Empire State Building. "And if it's not the case, or I don't believe in it anymore, then I'll probably retire."

Here's the really bad news for men with designs on winning Grand Slam events: Federer is healthier than ever.

Not only is his bout with mononucleosis a distant memory, but also his extra dedication to taking care of his body is paying dividends.

"What I'm striving for is longevity. ... I feel so much better physically today than I ever have. I mean, like, maybe this year was difficult, but right now, the day after the U.S. Open, I feel like, 'My God, I'm fresh,' " Federer said. "I don't have these niggling injuries any more like I used to have when I was younger. I remember I had a sore arm every day when I was 20, 21. I had muscle pain all over my body after, like, a four-setter."

He mentioned, as he has in the past, that he intends to compete at the 2012 London Olympics -- tennis will be contested at his beloved All England Club -- and beyond. And why not?

He's still only 27, and unlike U.S. Open women's champion Serena Williams, who doesn't hide her interests in fashion and acting, Federer can be heard to say, "I live and breathe tennis."

"I feel, for a very long time, that I'll always be able to win Wimbledon, always going to be able to win the U.S. Open," Federer said.