Federer plans renewed challenge for titles in 2012

LONDON: Roger Federer believes his record sixth title at the ATP World Tour Finals will be the ideal springboard to end his Grand Slam drought in 2012.

Federer has finished the season without a Grand Slam for the first time since 2002, but the Swiss star will go into the new campaign on the back of a 17-match winning run that brought him trophies in Basel, Paris and at the prestigious end-of-year event at London's O2 Arena.

Although the 30-year-old has been written off as a fading force after his barren run in the Grand Slams, Federer gave one of the performances of his life to demolish Rafael Nadal in the group stages at the Tour Finals before holding off a spirited challenge from Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to win the final 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3.

The 16-time Grand Slam champion -- who last won a major at the 2010 Australian Open -- is adamant this week's work in south-east London is conclusive proof he can still compete with the best in the latter stages of his career.

"I felt like I played great during these last few weeks and it gives me a lot of confidence for next year," said Federer after capturing his 70th career title in his 100th final. (AFP)