Roger Federer : I hope to be back on Centre Court

BySaketh RVK, SportsCafe Editor

07/09/2016

Seven-time champion Roger Federer has said that he hopes to be back at Wimbledon in 2017, after a gut-wrenching 3-6,7-6 (7/3), 6-4, 5-7, 3-6 loss to Milos Raonic in the semi-finals. Federer failed to get past the Canadian, throwing away arguably his best chance at an 18th major.

The Swiss Maestro had come into the semi-final on the back of a fairy-tale comeback against Maron Cilic, and was the clear favourite to reach the title clash. He could not get past a player nine years younger though, and heavy movements in the final set seemed to be hinting at age catching up with the Swiss Maestro.

But Federer brushed aside speculation that he wouldn’t return to All England, saying, “I hope to be back on Centre Court, to be very clear for you. I was looking at Centre Court as in thank you for the crowd. That's what I was going through, not thinking about this might be my last Wimbledon,” reported AFP.

I know Wimbledon is important, but it's not everything.

Also read- Ex-Wimbledon champ Marion Bartoli opens up about her life-threatening illness

Federer was looking at making history, by becoming the oldest finalist at Wimbledon since 1974, when 39-year old Ken Rosewall lost to Jimmy Connors. Federer has had a tough season so far, reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open before pulling out of Rolland Garros due to a back injury. He suffered back-to-back losses in semi-finals at Halle and Stuttgart, one of them against teen sensation Alexander Zverev.

After the loss on Friday though, he downplayed the pressure of his slimming chances of winning an eight Wimbledon title, saying this wasn’t the end of everything.

"It's a dream to win my eighth here but it's not the only reason why I play tennis, otherwise I'll go in a freeze box now and come out before Wimbledon next year.

"I know Wimbledon is important, but it's not everything.

"I have played 10 sets (against Cilic and Raonic). It's very encouraging for the season. I was insecure coming into Wimbledon," reported AFP.

Also read- Has India lost out on an Olympic medal because of Mirza, Bopanna and Paes' stubbornness?