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Roger Federer celebrated his 30th birthday on Monday © Getty Images

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Only ten men have won a grand slam in the Open era after hitting 30, but Roger Federer will certainly have his eye on making that 11.

Having celebrated his 30th birthday on Monday, Roger Federer has dismissed talk of retirement and is determined to carry on playing into 2012 and beyond.

While at 30 most golfers are yet to hit their prime, 30 is considered to be over the hill in tennis terms. Bjorn Borg retired at 25 after winning 11 slams. John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg all failed to win majors after hitting the big three-zero.

The last man to win a grand slam in his thirties was Andre Agassi, who won the Australian Open in 2003 aged 32. Pete Sampras won his fifth US Open crown in 2002, aged 31.

If Federer were to reach the quarter-finals in New York next month, rather fittingly it would be his 30th consecutive appearance in the last-eight of a slam. While the Swiss is without a grand slam trophy on his mantelpiece for the first time since his first Wimbledon triumph back in 2003, Federer's record at grand slams is truly remarkable.

His record of 23 consecutive grand slam semi-finals is unlikely to be bettered - Federer has not missed a major in his ten-year career. He may be having to listen to his body more these days, but though he may be five years older than Rafael Nadal, Federer's body is holding up to the demands of life on the tour better than his rival.

Having passed yet another milestone, Federer has another in his sights. With 965 professional matches under his belt, Federer is closing in on the 1000 landmark. Sampras played 984 career matches, while Jimmy Connors holds the record with a whopping 1519. Connors' record may be beyond Federer, but the Swiss still feels he has plenty of miles in the tank.

"Do you listen to your body more? Yes you do," he said. "Are you more wise? Yes you are. Are you more experienced? Yes. Do you have 1000 matches in your body? Yes you do. You just go with what you have."

What Federer lacks in power and speed, he makes up for in experience, intelligence and grace. His greatest win this season was his French Open semi-final victory over Novak Djokovic to end the Serbian's 43-match winning streak, proving that he does still have it.

Most players retire before they hit 30. Tour victories for fellow old-timers Radek Stepanek and Juan Carlos Ferrero show there is life after 30 for the brave souls who choose to play on into their thirties.

A lot has changed since Federer won his first slam. The ponytail may have gone, and he is now a proud father to twin girls, but the hunger to win is still there.

"Birthdays happen," Federer said last week "They're part of life. I'm happy I'm getting older. I'd rather be 30 than 20, to be honest."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.