Roger Federer has seen it all during his two-decade career.
Yet, the 37-year-old Swiss concedes he's surprised himself rising back to No. 3 in the rankings he launches his clay-campaign in Madrid this week.
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"A little surprised, yes, I am," Federer told Spanish publication Marca in an intervew. "If you tell me that 10 years ago, after winning at Roland Garros, which would be in Madrid as four of the ranking, I would not have believed it. I could hope to be Top10 or Top 20 but not what I am now.
"What is certain is that if in 2009 they ask me if I would continue playing in 2019, I would have answered that only if I felt competitive and I feel competitive."
On the strength of a sharp attacking game, Federer captured his 100th career title in Dubai then dethroned defending champion John Isner to claim his 101st title in Miami.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion said the day he feels he is not a true title contender is the day he will call it quits.
"I have made my career and I do not need to play to lose in the second round in any tournament," Federer told Marca. "My goal is to win, as I did at the beginning of the season. If I feel that I will not be able to do it and I can not win the best, it is better for me to stop."
Photo credit: Mutua Madrid Open