In an interview with the website, Bote, the 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer explained why he has not been celebrating the Christmas in Switzerland since 2014. The Swiss trains in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in December and his wife Mirka and their four children are there as well.

Federer flew from Dubai to Perth, Australia, on December 26 in order to prepare for the Hopman Cup. Asked if he would like to spend the Christmas in his country where he owns several houses and a chalet in Lenzerheide too, Federer replied: ‘Yeah, of course.

In truth, every year we try to re-project it. Until when I realize: the air flight, interrupting the training, the transition from heat to cold, that in Dubai I am already halfway for Australia. And until when we are together as a family, it’s okay.

But of course, if I could choose, I’d prefer celebrating somewhere in the Swiss mountains.’ Asked if a retirement from tennis may be planned for this year, he replied: “No, it’s not. I am still thinking about how I will finish the spring, with Indian Wells, Miami, clay-court season and grass.

Roger Federer breezed through his opening round at the Australian Open 2019 against Denis Istomin. With this win, he set up a second round match-up with British player Dan Evans. He has started his season on a high note, after winning the Hopman Cup title alongside compatriot Belinda Bencic. The Swiss ace overpowered Istomin in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 , 6-4.

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Federer has not lost a single match in Melbourne since 2017, and will look to win his 15th consecutive match here on Wednesday. The 37-year old is in fine form and tennis legend Mats Wilander feels that Australia is his only chance of winning a Grand Slam during this season.