Federer downed Rafael Nadal in a five set epic to claim his first grand slam title since winning Wimbledon in 2012.

He turn 36 in August and says his 2017 Aussie Open campaign could be his last.

"I hope to see you next year, if not this was a wonderful run," Federer said.

"I mean… I have only so much tennis left in me.

"If I do get injured, you know, maybe if I miss next year. Who knows what happens.

"So it was just a way... You never know when your next Grand Slam is going to be, if ever.

The 18-time grand slam winner endured a tough 2016 and spent six months out of the game with injury.

"Yeah, I mean, look, I've had a tough year last year,” he said.

"I just meant it (retirement comments) the way I meant it. There wasn't something planned behind it, that this is my last Australian Open.

"I hope can I come back, of course. That's my hope right now."