FEDERER IN CRUISE CONTROL YET AGAIN
Roger Federer sobbed after being crowned Wimbledon champion for a record eighth time after cruising through his 11th final at the tournament.
The Swiss player eased his way to a 19th grand slam title, beating Croatian Marin Cilic 6-3 6-1 6-4 in just one hour and 41 minutes on Centre Court.
Federer lifted his arms in the air having served an ace to win the final set, and wept after catching a glimpse of his family in the players’ box as the magnitude of his victory set in.
Cilic too seemed overcome by emotion, breaking down in tears during the changeover after losing the first three games of the second set during the clash.
During the prize-giving ceremony Federer’s wife, Mirka, stood with their twin daughters, Myla Rose and Charlene Riva, and younger twin sons Leo and Lenny.
Federer told the BBC’s Sue Barker: “It’s a wonderful moment for us as a family.”
The girls had previously seen Federer win Wimbledon, but it was a new experience for the boys, who had dressed in pale blue blazers for the occasion.
The Swiss star said: “They have no clue what’s going on, they think this is probably a nice view and a nice playground. Hopefully one day they will understand.”
Federer becomes the first man to win eight Wimbledon titles and, at 35 years old, the oldest man in the open era to lift the trophy.
During the match, Cilic placed a towel over his head and wept as he dealt with a “bad blister” which ultimately led to his downfall.
The Croatian said it was his inability to perform rather than the pain of the injury which had made him emotional on court.
But he offered congratulations to Federer, adding: “I don’t want to put down his victory in any way. I mean, he deserved it completely.”
Federer praised Cilic for his performance, saying: “It is cruel sometimes, but he fought well and he is a hero, so congratulations on a wonderful tournament, Marin.”
The crowd roared as Federer raised the coveted trophy above his head, showering it with kisses, having triumphed without dropping a single set in the tournament.
He said: “It’s magical, I can’t believe it yet. It’s too much really. It’s disbelief that I can achieve such heights.
“I wasn’t sure if I would ever be back here in another final after last year but I always believed I could come back, and if you believe in your life you can go a long way. I kept on believing and dreaming and here I am today.”
After the match the tennis star tweeted, “#19 tastes great”, alongside an image of him kissing the trophy.
He said his record-breaking eighth win had felt “super special”.
He told a press conference: “Wimbledon was always my favourite tournament, will always be my favourite tournament.
“My heroes walked the grounds here and walked the courts here. Because of them, I think I became a better player, too.
“To mark history here at Wimbledon really means a lot to me just because of all of that really. It’s that simple.”