Wimbledon: Federer rues ‘opportunity missed’

Published by TenniSmash

Roger Federer finished runner-up for the fourth time at Wimbledon; Getty Images
Roger Federer says Saturday’s Wimbledon final defeat is “tough to take” after missing two championship points against Novak Djokovic.

Roger Federer put a brave face on his dramatic five-set defeat by Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s Wimbledon final, describing it as an “opportunity missed” to win his ninth title.

The Swiss held two championship points on serve at 8-7 in the fifth set but Djokovic fought back to win 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 13-12(3).

It was the first time a men’s singles match had been decided by a tiebreak at 12-12 in the decider, and it brought Djokovic a fifth Wimbledon and 16th Grand Slam title.

REPORT: Djokovic beats Federer in epic Wimbledon final

It was a gut-wrenching loss for Federer, who was within a point of his 21st major victory.

“It was definitely tough to have those chances,” said the 37-year-old, adding: “I don’t know what I feel right now.

“I just feel like it’s such an incredible opportunity missed, I can’t believe it. It is what it is.”

The result sees Djokovic draw within four victories of Federer at the top of the all-time list of major winners on 20, and two behind Rafael Nadal, who claimed his 18th at the French Open last month.

It is 10 years since Federer surpassed the then record of 14 Grand Slam titles set by Pete Sampras.

“[It] used to be a really, really big deal, I guess when you were close,” said the Swiss.

“I guess two behind, then eventually you tie, then eventually you break. That was big.

“It’s been different since, naturally because the chase is in a different place. I take motivation from different places. Not so much from trying to stay ahead, because I broke the record, and if somebody else does, well, that’s great for them. You can’t protect everything, anyway.

“I didn’t become a tennis player for that. I really didn’t. It’s about trying to win Wimbledon, trying to have good runs here, playing in front of such an amazing crowd in this Centre Court against players like Novak and so forth. That’s what I play for.

“So things are different now. But I’m very happy with my level of play nowadays, still.”

And a month short of his 38th birthday, Federer fully expects to be contending for major titles for the foreseeable future.

“Take it on your chin, you move on,” he said. “I couldn’t give any more. I gave it my all and I still feel alright.”

Share this: 
  • Most popular articles

30 December 2019

Second-serve return in the men’s game: an exploration

Nick Kyrgios’ first-round win over Andrey Rublev at last year’s Kremlin Cup in Moscow ... More

22 August 2017

Putintseva’s epic coaching bust-up

Finally! After years of watching coaches wander on to court and say nothing particularly i... More

14 August 2017

Sharapova quotes Serena: “I will never lose to that li...

Maria Sharapova has opened up in her memoir Unstoppable, revealing her take on how Serena ... More

16 February 2017

Men’s and women’s tennis: as different as believ...

In the first part of our series analysing the similarities and differences between men's ... More