Melbourne master Federer back in top 10

PARIS - Roger Federer has climbed back into the ATP top 10 on the strength of his epic 18th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. The 35-year-old Swiss great defied old rival Rafael Nadal Sunday in a thrilling five-setter in Melbourne to move up seven spots to 10th in the latest rankings released Monday. Nadal, beaten 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, moved up three places to sixth in the list still dominated by early Australian Open victims Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic. Stan Wawrinka, defeated in the semis last week by Federer, is up one in third. Germany’s Mischa Zverev, who upset Murray in the fourth round in Melbourne, soared 15 places to 35th, his best ever ranking. Zverev’s teenaged brother Alexander climbed two rungs to 22nd after making it to the third round where he lost to Nadal. Federer, however, dropped hints that his great career may be drawing to a close. He told the Rod Laver Arena crowd: “I hope to see you next year, but if not, then it was a wonderful year here and I couldn’t be happier tonight.” Federer has been rebutting suggestions of retirement for several years, but he said he was now aware injuries could force him off the scene. The Australian Open marked his comeback from a six-month injury break, the longest of his career, after he underwent surgery for the first time last February. “This is all about, you know, knowing that I have only so much tennis left in me,” he told reporters, when asked about the comment in his acceptance speech. “If I do get injured, you know, maybe if I miss next year, who knows what happens ... You never know when your next Grand Slam is going to be, if ever. “You never know if you’re going to have an opportunity at this stage.” Federer added: “Look, I’ve had a tough year last year. Three five-setters are not going to help. I just meant it 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.” Serena world No. 1 Australian Open winner Serena Williams replaced Angelique Kerber as world No. 1 in the latest WTA rankings released Monday. The American moved up one place courtesy of her victory in Melbourne where she got the better of sister Venus 6-4, 6-4 in the final Saturday for a record 23rd Grand Slam title. Kerber’s defense of her Australian Open crown ended with a last 16 loss to Coco Vandeweghe with the German now down to second and her American nemesis up 15 rungs to 20th. Melbourne quarterfinalist Karolina Pliskova climbs two spots to third.