Roger Federer won the 20th Grand Slam of his career yesterday with a five-sets win over Marin Cilic at the Australian Open.
The Swiss veteran has now won three of the last five majors and victory in Melbourne was the sixth Australian Open victory of his career.
The 36-year-old becomes only the fourth player after Margaret Court, Serena Williams and Steffi Graf to win 20 or more major singles titles.
But despite being in the form of his life and with three more Grand Slams still to play this year, Federer believes Court’s record cannot be matched.
“I don’t know. I didn’t think 20 was ever possible to be honest,” he said.
“But no, I think it’s too far, it’s not something I’m looking at.
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“I never thought about it to be honest but those numbers are surreal and they’re amazing.
“I’m very happy if it stays at 20.”
Federer has had to be selective when choosing which tournaments he plays in order to be at his best for the Grand Slams.
And while the eight-time Wimbledon champion admits his love for the game has not diminished, he insists making his parents proud is the motivation behind his continued success.
“I think by not overplaying, not playing every tournament possible,” Federer said when asked about the key to his longevity.
“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 are incredibly proud and happy that I’m still doing it.
“They enjoy coming to tournaments. That makes me happy and play better.”
Federer will now need to decide in the coming months if he is to play or skip the clay court season with the French Open starting at the end of May.