Federer shows there’s life after 30

Published Jul 9, 2012

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London – Roger Federer has proved again that age is no barrier to greatness as the 30-year-old heads into the London Olympic in three weeks after winning a record-equalling seventh title at Wimbledon.

The Swiss also returned to world No 1 on the ATP after two years of living in the top three thanks to his defeat of Scot Andy Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4.

After a short family holiday with his wife and twin daughters, the 17-time Grand Slam winner who joined Pete Sampras on seven Wimbledon crowns will begin his big push for London Olympic gold.

Meanwhile, there is plenty to savour after triumphing at another grass-court fortnight.

“I feel I have a great game today,” said the holder of 75 career titles including an ATP-leading five this season. “But then again, maybe there were times I had such incredible confidence that you do pull triggers and you pull off shots.

“I'm so happy I'm at the age I am right now, because I had such a great run and I know there's still more possible,” said the 30-year-old considered the best to ever play the game. “Enjoying it right now is very different than when I was 20 or 25.

“I'm at a much more stable place in my life. I wouldn't want anything to change. So this is very, very special right now.”

Federer reinforced the idea that the All England club will always be a magical place for him after enjoying so much success on the grass.

“I feel better here for some reason, it's very unique and special in many ways, this tournament.

“From the get go I really felt sort of I'm supposed to play well here, I guess. Over the years I've been able to keep up a great run.

Obviously, last couple of years maybe slightly disappointing (two quarter-finals).

“This year I guess I decided in the bigger matches to take it more to my opponent instead of waiting a bit more for the mistakes. This is how you want to win Wimbledon, by going after your shots, believing you can do it, and that's what I was able to do today. It's special.”

The player who has won eight titles since losing a US Open semi-final last September to Novak Djokovic after holding two match points, said that the loss in New York was some kind of a turning point in his head.

“Because I was playing a lot of good tennis, but I wanted to win titles, not just lose in quarters and semis. I think when I came back to Basel (November) , which was a home tournament, things obviously changed for me to winning ways again.

“Then the confidence rose as I went to Paris (Indoors in November) and also to London (year-end championship). I think this is when I realised a lot is possible in 2012.”

Federer's title came two years after his last Grand Slam, when he beat Murray in Melbourne to win the Australian Open. – Sapa-dpa

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