Harare, Zimbabwe (News of the South) – Roger Federer has lifted Wimbledon’s challenge cup for a record eighth time, making history at SW19 in a final that saw extraordinary scenes of his heartbroken opponent, Marin Čilić, in tears midway through the match.
The Swiss player, who becomes the most successful men’s singles player ever at the championships, said: “It’s magical really. I just can’t believe it yet. It’s just too much, really.”
On one of the biggest days in world sport, a delighted crowd witnessed the popular player cement his place as a Wimbledon Goat – greatest of all time – overwhelming Čilić 6-3, 6-1, 6-4. Only Martina Navratilova, with nine, has won more singles titles.
With the lack of a Brit in the men’s final, a metaphorical Swiss flag flew over a highly partisan Henman Hill. Love flowed for this honorary national treasure who calls Wimbledon home and was making his 19th appearance in SW19 since his first in 1999. Sunday marked his 11th appearance in a Wimbledon final.
Čilić,” said comedian Michael McIntyre, making his way toward the royal box, “Yes, he’s playing some Swiss guy, isn’t he?” before adding “Go Federer.” His allegiance was “like 99.98% of the people in front of you”, he said.
In the changeover after losing the third game of the second set, the 6ft 6in Croatian giant, playing with an injury, broke down in tears.
He managed to compose himself, with the help of his medical team, receiving a standing ovation as he resumed play to some encouraging shouts of “Come on, Marin”. Soon afterwards he took medical time out while his foot was strapped, but he never fully recovered, continuing to remain emotional between games.
Federer himself was in tears immediately after winning as his two sets of twins – seven-year-old daughters and three-year-old sons – were brought to the players box to see their father presented with thepineapple-topped trophy.
Holding the cup, he expressed “disbelief” at his record, he said: “I kept on believing and dreaming and here I am today with the eighth – fantastic.”
“I hope this wasn’t my last match [at Wimbledon] and I hope I can come back next year and try to defend the title.”
Asked later if he would return to defend his title, Federer said: “I hope I am back, there is never a guarantee at 35/36.
“Wimbledon will always be my favourite tournament. My heroes walked the grounds here and walked the courts here.” He added: “To mark history at Wimbledon really means a lot to me because of all of that. It’s that simple.”
Čilić said later his tears were of frustration and a culmination of emotions because of a painful blister on his foot, for which he had been receiving treatment for the previous 30 hours. “I was just feeling that I knew I couldn’t give my best on the court,” he said.
He said the defeat was “devastating”, that “emotionally I knew on such a big day I am unable to play my best tennis”. He added it was ”a culmination of emotions because I knew how much it took for me to get here.”
At 35 years and 342 days, Federer is the oldest to win the men’s singles in the open era, and the first since Björn Borg 41 years ago, to win without losing a set in the fortnight.
Records give him motivation and inspiration, Federer has said, and they fired up the fans, too-Guardian
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