FEDERER EXPRESS POSTS RECORD WIN
SWISS STAR BAGS A RECORD EIGHTH WIMBLEDON TITLE
ROGER Federer was yesterday 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 sobbed 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.
The crowd roared as Federer raised the coveted trophy above his head, showering it with kisses having triumphed in the tournament without having dropped a single set.
“It’s magical, I can’t believe it yet. It’s too much really. It’s disbelief that I can achieve such heights,” he said afterwards.
“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.”
During the ceremony, Federer’s wife, Mirka, stood with their twin daughters, Myla Rose and Charlene Riva, and younger twin sons Leo and Lenny.
Federer becomes the first man to win eight Wimbledon titles and, at 35, the oldest man in the open era to lift the trophy.
The Swiss star said: “It’s a wonderful moment for us as a family.”
“The children have no clue what’s going on, they think this is probably a nice view and looks a nice playground.
“Hopefully one day they will understand.”
During the match, Cilic placed a towel over his head and wept as he was attended to by his support team, before later calling a medical timeout to receive attention on a blistered foot.
The 28-year-old looked visibly emotional as he said he hoped one day to return to SW19 and lift the winner’s trophy.
“I gave my best and that’s all I can do,” said Cilic.
Federer praised Cilic for his performance, adding: “It is a cruel game sometimes, but he fought well and he is definitely a hero, so congratulations on a wonderful tournament, Marin.”