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Federer reveals biggest reason for stunning resurgence

Roger Federer looked a shadow of his former self as his 2016 was plagued by injuries, but the Swiss great is back and better than ever.

Federer missed the entire second half of the season last year, undergoing knee surgery after also struggling with a back injury.

But the 35-year-old is off to an incredible 19-1 start in 2017 on the back of victory at the Australian Open, as well as titles at Indian Wells and the Miami Open.

Federer lifts the Australian Open trophy. Image: Getty

And the 18-time grand slam champion has now revealed the biggest reason for his resurgence.

"I got really rejuvenated and fresh and ready, and excited to come back on tour again," Federer said.

"And I was finally able to speak differently to the press and everybody, and just tell everybody how little expectations I really have.

"Because for the last 15 years I always said, more or less, 'I want to win the next tournament I enter,' because that was reality.

"Because of this injury, it sort of reset everything, and it was a beautiful thing."

Federer recently ended speculation about his participation in this year's French Open, confirming he will play.

After defeating John Isner in an exhibition match in Seattle for his charity foundation, Federer told the Tennis Channel he plans to play at Roland Garros for the first time since 2015.

"I am registered and my intention is to play Roland Garros," the 18-time Grand Slam champion said in a post-match interview.

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The World No.4 made a quarter-final exit at the 2015 French Open but missed last year's event.

His lone title on the red clay in Paris came in 2009.

"I feel very privileged to be back on a tennis court," Federer told the network.

"Last year was extremely difficult, having had surgery and the knee never healing. Then I had back pain too, and it all got too much at Wimbledon and I was out for six months.

"But I was able to spend some incredible time with the family and start preparing for this season and hoping that the work that I put in the off season was going to really pay off.

"I was going to get a second chance to really play tennis again on the professional tour and so when I did come back in Australia was really exciting."

with AAP and AFP