'I've seen a million highlights, I almost couldn't get enough'

18-time grand slam champion Roger Federer says he has spent plenty of time watching highlights of his incredible triumph at the Australian Open.

The Swiss Maestro is well-known for his humility and grace, but it appears even he likes to stroke his own ego sometimes.

Federer also revealed just how badly he wanted to be reminded of the feeling to be a grand slam champion again, saying he "almost couldn't get enough" of watching his best shots over and over.

"I have seen a million highlights — again and again and again — of the fifth set, of the best shots or best shots of the tournament," Federer told The National.

Federer. Image: Getty

"I got sent so many compilations of stuff, with music and emotional stuff, my team celebrating or commentators celebrating.

"So it's been a lot of fun and I think I also needed to see it and watch it to go through those feelings again, and just see what it meant to me.

"I almost couldn't get enough of it. It was very exciting and I'm happy we could do it as a team after the hard year last year."

Federer says his family and friends were so excited they tried to get him to re-watch the entire match with them, but he politely declined.

A month on from his remarkable comeback triumph at Melbourne Park, Federer is still riding a massive high as he prepares for the upcoming Dubai Tennis Championships.

"It (the Australian Open win) came as a really huge surprise," he said.

"Incredible moment, some of the strongest probably I have ever felt as a tennis player. Plus, today as a more experienced tennis player, I can grasp it quicker and better.

"But thankfully, it's taken a long time to really just understand everything that has happened and it was nice not having a tournament to play right away.

"So my last shot is still the forehand cross-court, it's still match point, the Rafa match is still my last match if I am talking about tennis. That's what I have in mind.

"So I am still riding the wave if you like."

Federer revealed he's wary of placing expectations too high in the UAE.

"Look, I know the first round is tough. I don't see myself as a favourite here in this tournament even though I have a great track record. It all starts from zero here.

"The break is too big for me to come in and just play like I did in Australia."

At 35, retirement plans appear to be far away from Federer's mind after he committed to playing in his hometown tournament of Basel until 2019.

He has signed a new three-year deal with the Swiss Indoors event, which he has won seven times since making his debut in 1998.

with AAP