Federer credits 'longevity' to being 'super-competitive' at age of 33

17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has revealed that the careful decision of mapping out his career in order to extend his competitive career has borne positive results, crediting the decision as one of the prime reasons behind being able to be super-competitive at the age of 33.

The World number two said that when he became world no 1 in 2004, he took a decision with his fitness coach at the time that they were going to plan long-term, admitting that they decided whatever they would do, they would plan long-term.

Speaking to reporters after advancing to third round of the BNP Paribas Open with a comfortable 6-4 6-2 victory over Argentina's Diego Schwartzman, the Swiss maestro maintained that they decided that they would try to stay around 20 tournaments during a year, which is a lower number, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Federer further said that he wanted to play injury-free if possible, adding that it was important trying to stay around for as long as possible because he loves the game, insisting that he was happy the plan worked; that at 33 he was still being super competitive and healthy and happy to be on tour.