Roger Federer was one of the favourites to win the Australian Open in 2017 after making a comeback from his serious knee injury back in 2016, which resulted in the former World No. 1 having to miss out in major tournements including the Rio Olympics as well as the French and the US Opens.

It was also the first time since 2000 that Federer had failed to win a title on the ATP tour.

But, despite making an outstanding comeback in 2017, winning the Australian Open and securing the Wimbledon titles, Federer has revealed that his return to the courts was thanks to his wife Mirka.

“It probably was a dinner, while we were alone around a table,” Federer told Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger.

“I don’t even remember if I asked her if I had to stop or if she thought that I could still win. It probably was something in that direction.

“And she told me: ‘If you want to do it [play further] and you feel well, I don’t see why you shouldn’t win another big tournament or beat anyone.’

“I had that feeling as well. Still, it wasn’t a long conversation.”

Federer made history back in Febuary, after he became the oldest No. 1 in tennis following his title win in Rotterdam.

Although, the Swiss decided to skip the European clay-court season - after a tough run in Indian Wells and Miami - which Federer failed to secure wins over Juan Martin del Potro and Thanasi Kokkinakis, acknowledging that sometimes he needs rest to get away from all the attention.

“Sometimes I am tired of it,” Federer added.

“That’s why my schedule is important: I can still take a full rest. If this attention was always there, I would be exhausted and I couldn’t enjoy the rest.

“But I am happy that there is such a clamour around my person.”

Federer is expected to return to the courts for the Gerry Weber Open, ATP 500 grass-court tournament, starting June 18 in Halle, not long before Wimbledon 2018.