Federer to bank on Edberg

Six of the top 10 women’s players will compete in the Brisbane International beginning on Sunday but arguably all eyes will be on the men’s draw as Swiss superstar Roger Federer makes his debut in the tournament.

Seventeen-time Grand Slam winner Federer could possibly be playing in Australia for the last time if he decides to call an end to his glittering career at the end of 2014.
The 32-year-old former World No 1 slipped to number six in the rankings at the end of 2013 following a mid-season back injury and a series of disappointing results, particularly in the Grand Slams.

However, Federer warned against writing him off, saying the recent appointment of Stefan Edberg to his coaching staff was an indication he still had the desire to compete at the top level.

“Critics are part of the tennis game, and they will be the last ones to put me out of the game,” Federer said on Saturday. “I still have a lot to do. Considering everything, I finished the season sixth, which was unbelievable.

“I always had a good perspective for things and it’s why, as crazy as it sounds, I enjoyed the year considering the setbacks I had -- I wanted to find a way out of it.”