Federer plans to keep expectations in check for 2018

The then 17-times grand slam champion was 35 and coming back from a first surgery-enforced absence to the sport he dominated for more than a decade from his maiden Wimbledon title in 2003. The six months off, however, appeared to be positively cathartic as he provided arguably the major talking point of the tennis circuit by reviving a career that pundits thought could be over with the injury. He beat Rafa Nadal in an epic final to win his fifth Australian Open crown and then clinched his eighth on the grass courts of southwest London to finish the year with seven titles and the world number two ranking.

RAFA & ROGER TO REIGN IN 2018? We've asked our panel of experts @marcus_buckland @barrymillns Barry Cowan & @_markpetchey about what to expect from Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer next year: https://t.co/sOc5YGwsIH pic.twitter.com/rQuqlYnhBo

— Sky Sports Tennis ? (@SkySportsTennis) December 28, 2017

However, Federer, who begins his 2018 campaign at the combined teams Hopman Cup tournament in Perth, recognises that while expectations this year might be a little higher, he was trying to ensure they did not get out of control. "Expectations are higher but at the same time I try to remind myself just don't think its normal and realistic to aim for the same things I did this year in 2017," he told reporters after he arrived in Australia.

After a hugely successful 2017, @RafaNadal speaks exclusively to AS about: Roger Federer, his split with uncle Toni and hopes for 2018 under new coach Carlos Moyá https://t.co/O4o4A72LYf pic.twitter.com/BwAXNCJktE

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"I've got to try and keep it cool. Try my best and see what happens but the preparation has been good so far. "We'll see how things go." Federer previously used the Kooyong invitational tournament to warm up for the Australian Open but returned to the Hopman Cup last year to team up with compatriot Belinda Bencic, where the pair finished second in their group.

Roger Federer plans to keep expectations in check for 2018https://t.co/URdJcEKz6J

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"Obviously looking ahead to Melbourne, I really hope that Hopman Cup's going to give me everything I need here," Federer said of starting the season in Perth, where he and his 20-year-old partner will face Japan, Russia and the US in group play. "It worked out perfectly this year, (winning) at the Australian Open. "Of course, that's a good omen."