• ATP Tour

Roger Fed up of retirement questions

Roger Federer is the in-form player in 2012 © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• Features: Federer can return to world No. 1
  
• News: Federer claims historic fourth title at Indian Wells
  
• Profile: Roger Federer

Roger Federer has expressed his frustration at being frequently questioned about his future in the sport and insists he has no thoughts of retiring.

Federer turned 30 last August, but since his agonising US Open semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic last September, the 16-time grand slam champion has lost just two matches, winning six titles, including a record fourth title at Indian Wells on Sunday.

Federer has not won a major title in over two years and has frequently been forced to shrug off claims he was heading for retirement. The Swiss admits every defeat was even harder to take when he was forced to face questions in the subsequent press conference.

"It was a bit like being pinched all the time," Federer told The Times. "You know how it was, 'Am I going to quit?' I know I come to different places all year and each event wants their answer, but sometimes it came from those who know me and after I lose a big match it's like, 'Come On!'

"I'm not afraid of playing and taking losses, but then you get a double whammy from the press. I don't like it when the fans start believing that this is the way it is."

Federer believes fans must take Andy Murray's failure to win a grand slam with a pinch of salt. The British No. 1 reached the semi-final stage or better of all four majors in 2011, but his ongoing quest to secure an elusive first slam remains the main topic of discussion.

"People want their extremes," Federer said. "Remember Murray winning back-to-back tournaments last year and he played super-consistent in the slams and had chances, and people don't talk about that. Nadal had a great year - he won a slam and was in eight finals, and that could be a world No. 1 year, but it isn't when you have a guy like Novak [Djokovic] around.

"So that's why it it's important to have perspective and realise where each player is coming from, because sometimes a guy is on a hot streak and he's just tough to beat."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.