No one in the center court believed what they witnessed. The one who is called the GOAT of the tennis world, got knocked out in straight sets against a 24 year old youngster who idolised Roger Federer. When the match began, surely even the experts were not anticipating such below the bar performance from eight-time Wimbledon champion.
Federer, who is the favourite star of the biggest grand slam, was no way near his best and kept struggling with his shots. He hit staggering 31 unforced errors and surely that cost him the match. The defeat was so unbelievable that everyone was asking whether they had seen their favourite player at Wimbledon for the last time?
Although for The Swiss, who is one month shy of being 40 years old, returned to the tour after 14 months, and after two knee surgeries and just eight matches under the belt, a Wimbledon quarter-final finish is not a bad result.
Although, in the post match press conference, Federer made it clear he needs to regroup before getting to any conclusion. “I really don’t know. I have got to regroup. My goal for the last year and more was to always try and play another Wimbledon,”said the eight-time Wimbledon winner.
Federer, who has been dealing with knee surgeries before coming back to grass court, said he is still happy with this year’s journey at grass court. “I was able to make it this year, which I’m really happy about. I’ve got to take a few days. Obviously, we’re going to speak a little bit tonight, depending on how I feel, then the next couple of days as well. Then we go from there. Just see, ‘Okay, what do I need to do to get in better shape so I can be more competitive?’, said the winner of 20 grand slams.
Roger Federer even withdrew himself from the fourth round of Roland Garros in order to prepare for Wimbledon. But the Swiss could not match up with the past performances of himself.
Only time will tell when one of the greatest athletes of all time will decide to hang up his boots and the world would stand up in emotions to bid adieu to their favourite boy who once beat the great Pete Sampras to claim his place among the greatest ever.
