Roger Federer ended a wait of almost two-and-a-half years for a Grand Slam title when he clinched his 17th major with a victory over fourth seed Andy Murray in Sunday’s Wimbledon final.
The Swiss came from a set down early to prevail 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 to claim his seventh Wimbledon crown and his first major title since the 2010 Australian Open.
“It feels great being back here as the winner,” Federer said speaking on court after the triumph.
“It feels nice to have my hands on the trophy again – like it’s never left me. It feels so familiar. I’ve obviously missed playing in the finals and it’s a great moment for me.
“I’ve gone through some struggles. There have been a lot of changes in my life so this one, like any Grand Slam victory, comes at the right time.
“I’m now level with Pete Sampras who is my hero and it feels amazing. It’s a truly magical moment.”
The result also restored Federer back to the world number one ranking, and he insisted after the final victory he never lost confidence while others believed Novak Djokovic (who he beat in the semifinal) and Rafael Nadal had taken over at the top of the game.
“I see it more as a stepping stone, a period I had to go through as well,” Federer said.
“To win 90 per cent of my matches throughout the year is impossible every single year. So you’re always going to go through ups and downs.
“But I knew how close I was for the last few years, and some people didn’t quite see that maybe for different reasons. But I knew and I think the belief got me to victory.”
He added: “You aren’t gifted world No.1 status. I was two sets up in the Wimbledon quarter-finals last year and two sets up at the US Open.
“I had so many chances but maybe I got nervous or my opponents were just too good. But I never stopped believing.”