Federer achieves another incredible piece of history

Two days after Roger Federer made history by winning an eighth Wimbledon crown, the Swiss great is still re-writing the record books.

The ATP announced on Tuesday that Federer has secured his place in the ATP Finals for a 15th time, an achevement no one else has ever achieved.

The 35-year-old joins French Open winner Rafael Nadal in qualifying for the season-ending tournament at the O2 Arena in London, having played in the event for a record 14 consecutive years from 2002-15 before missing out last year through injury.

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"I look forward to returning to London in November," Federer said.

"I was sad not to be able to compete last year as I love playing there and had not missed the event since 2002."

The 19-time grand slam winner has won five tournaments this year, including the Australian Open, and is on target to return to the top of the world rankings for the first time since 2012 if he maintains the form that has earned him a 31-2 record.

Federer and Nadal will be joined at the Nov. 12-19 event by the remainder of the top eight players in the Race to London standings following the Paris Masters.

Federer tentatively plans to resume at the Cincinnati Masters on August 13 before chasing grand slam No.20 in New York a fortnight later.

A six-month lay-off to physically recover from a knee injury and mentally recharge after two decades of tour grind, then another break during this year's claycourt season have proven spectacularly successful for the peerless Swiss.

But he knows it will be a challenge going forward to remain as competitive, with less and less match practice as his body and eye get older.

He also accepts it's a balancing act and, while he can see himself playing for years to come, Federer is realistic too.

"Honestly, ever since I had the year I had last year, I do think probably like a year ahead of time with my schedule, fitness schedule, tournaments I would like to play. So I totally see myself playing here this time next year," he said.

"But because it's far away, because of what happened last year, I just like to take the opportunity to thank the people in the very moment, and make them understand, yes, I hope that I'm back. There's never a guarantee, especially not at 35, 36."