Following a remarkable 2014 season that led him to his first ever Davis Cup title, 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has opted not to take part in the team competition this year.

“It wasn’t a difficult decision,” the 33-year-old Federer said Monday at the Dubai tournament. “I have played for so long, and I think by winning it I can finally do whatever I please, to be quite honest.”

Federer led his nation to the title last November when he defeated France’s Richard Gasquet to secure the win. It was his country’s first team title in the 115-year history of the tournament, and only their second attempt in the final to win the crown. A word record crowd of 27, 448 was in attendance for the historic moment – one that saw Federer collapse to the ground in pure joy following match point.

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The joy was evident on his face at that moment, and he explained that much of that was due to a heavy burden being lifted off his chest.

“It’s been a big burden for me throughout my career and one of the things that have caused more difficulties in my life than many other things, I must say,” Federer said. “I always feel there is so much guilt put on you from the federation or from the ITF more so than anybody else. So I’m happy I was able to finally tick that off and do it altogether.”

While he has taken the decision to skip the Davis Cup this season, Federer hopes that fellow Swiss star Stan Wawrinka will remain on the team.

“I hope that Stan is going to play, next round or September or whatever it’s going to be to keep us in the World Group,” Federer said. “Who knows? You never know if they can win it without us, as well. It’s an opportunity, but clearly we are not the favorites now playing against Belgium.”