Eight for the great Fed
TENNIS: Roger Federer has delivered the ultimate backhander to his rivals – he’s working part-time and still winning grand slams.
Celebrating an eighth Wimbledon title, Federer attributed an amazing renaissance to a lighter schedule.
“I love playing the big stages still. I don’t mind the practice. I don’t mind the travel,” he said. “Because I’m playing a little less, I actually get more time in return. I feel like I’m working part-time these days almost, which is a great feeling.
“What keeps me going? I don’t know, I love to play. Wonderful team. My wife’s (Mirka) totally fine with me still playing. She’s my No.1 supporter. She’s amazing.”
As Federer revelled in a 19th major, the Swiss artist struggled to reconcile the magnitude of his achievement.
“Winning eight (titles) is not something you can ever aim for,” he said.
“If you do, you must have so much talent and parents and the coaches that push you from the age of three on, who think you’re like a project.
“I was not that kid. I was just really a normal guy growing up in Basel, hoping to make a career on the tennis tour.
“I guess I dreamed, I believed, and really hoped that I could actually maybe really do it, you know, to make it real. So I put in a lot of work, and it paid off.”
Federer, 35, batted away suggestions he had contested his final Wimbledon, just as he did at January’s Australian Open.
“Honestly, ever since I had the year I had last year, I do think probably like a year ahead of time with my schedule, fitness schedule, tournaments I would like to play,” he said. “So I totally see myself playing here this time next year.”