London, July 6 (DPA) With a first child on the way, Roger Federer finds it hard to say that winning his sixth Wimbledon title to become the most successful Grand Slam player in the game really counts as his most joyous moment.
“I don’t know if I’m the happiest person in the world,” the Swiss said after defeating Andy Roddick 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 16-14 in four-and-a-quarter hours Sunday.
“There are many happy people out there. Tennis doesn’t do it all for me. There’s more to life than just tennis, but I feel great.”
As he reflects on his accomplishment over the last seven seasons since he won the first of five consecutive Wimbledon titles in 2003 over Mark Philippoussis, the 27-year-old admits he’s amazed at what he’s accomplished.
“It’s staggering that I’ve been able to play so well for so many years now and stay injury-free,” said the holder of the all-time mark of 15 Grand Slam singles crowns among 60 honours overall.
“There is a certain routine over the last few years since I became number one. I know what it takes to win the big ones. There’s obviously a lot of experience that comes with it, being there and giving myself chances.”
Federer called it “crazy” that he has been able to win so many major titles in such a short period of time.
Returning to the top ranking Monday after winning his first French Open and his sixth Wimbledon over the last month, he said that his original dreams in the sport were much less ambitious.
“I never thought I could be this consistent, that great of a player with so many qualities. I know I have qualities everywhere in the game,” Federer said.
“I know I have also some deficits, which is normal also. You can’t practise everything in tennis. We play too many tournaments, so we don’t have the chance to work on our games enough. It would be interesting to see if we had six months off, how could you evolve as a player.”
He showed no signs of stopping now.
“It’s quite interesting how a career goes. But I think I’ve handled many things the right way,” Federer said.
“I’m happy where my life has gone, because it’s so much fun on the tour right now. I love traveling. I always kept things happy. I think that’s key to a long career.”
rounak