LONDON - Record-breaker Roger Federer had even more bad news for his rivals on Sunday night, insisting he can play until he is 40!
The 35-year-old became the first man in Wimbledon’s 140-year history to win eight titles, confirming himself as the king of Centre Court.
It made him the oldest man in the Open era to win Wimbledon and Federer, who takes home £2.2million, has no intention of calling time on his career.
"There’s never a guarantee, especially not at 35, 36,’ said Federer, who is now world No 3. "But the goal is definitely to be here again next year. Winning eight is not something you can ever aim for. It is very special.
"Wimbledon has always been my favourite tournament, will always be my favourite tournament. My heroes walked the courts here. To make history here at Wimbledon really means a lot to me because of all of that."
Asked whether he thought he could play at Wimbledon when he is 40, Federer said: "You would think so, if health permitting and everything is OK.
"You could take 300 days off beforehand, just prepare for Wimbledon, put yourself in a freeze box, then you come out and train a bit — you know you’re not going to be injured.
"What keeps me going? I love to play. I have a wonderful team. My wife’s fine with me still playing. I don’t mind the practice. I don’t mind the travel. I feel like I’m working part-time these days, almost, which is a great feeling."
#19 tastes great pic.twitter.com/3Hv3lM5Rk9
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) July 16, 2017
Cilic said he was hampered by a bad blister on his left foot. He cried in the second set as he called the trainer on court. Asked about being in tears, Cilic said: "It was just a feeling that I knew I could not give my best. It was very, very difficult to deal with.
"We even tried some anaesthetics just to block the pain."