Recorded by Cécile Klotzbach
How did you feel about leaving the pitch to the ovations of the fans?
Roger Federer: It was tough after the last few games when I felt that I couldn’t get out of a tight spot. I’m not so used to situations like this. The audience was amazing, that’s why I still play. Unfortunately, they witnessed my clear defeat. But I am extremely grateful for all of the support over the years. But of course it’s a tough ending.
Was that your last time at Wimbledon?
I don’t know, really don’t. I’m trying to put that into perspective now. I’ve achieved my goal, which I’ve had for a year or more, namely to play here. But I’ll have to talk to my team about everything that comes after that. I now need some time to analyze everything in peace. Where is the journey going? Should she go on? After the tough 18 months I’m just happy that I made it to the quarter-finals. The danger was always there, in every round. Whether the body goes along or I find the level … I was able to prove that to myself so far. But now at the end I have noticed again that something crucial is missing. And now let’s see what I have to do to be in better shape and to keep up with the best. Of course I would like to play here again. But at my age you’re never sure what’s coming around the corner.
To zero in the third sentence! So Federer is dumped in the Wimbledon quarter-finals(02:10)
Are you still missing match practice?
I don’t know if that’s it. My body feels good in general and it’s good that I suffered a few defeats on the way here as well. But if I want to keep up at the highest level, I definitely have to become a better player. Hurkacz showed me that too. But physically it will be quite difficult.
Do you confirm that you will not resign now?
It’s all about still having a perspective. You need goals. And right now my goal is to still play. But you can’t climb the whole mountain in one stage. Wimbledon was the first super stage, that’s over now. And now the questions arise: What went well, what went bad, is my knee still doing, what my body is, what is the mental state? As you can see, I struggled with extraordinary efforts like against Hurkacz or in Halle. I knew it was going to be very tough. But now I need time and not let the media or anyone else stress me out. But I’ll make the right decisions at the right time.
Have you already met one for the Olympics?
As I said, I won’t decide about the games for a few days. Of course, it has to be soon, because it won’t be long to Tokyo. But I’ve always said that I don’t think about the decisions I’ll make until after Wimbledon. I can’t tell you any more now, I’ll have to talk to my family and team about that first. And the last sentence doesn’t change that either.
Is it particularly bitter to lose like this?
That does matter, yes. If you are dominated, are a bit more limited than before and just don’t know what to do anymore, it’s not very funny. But I’ve had so many incredible moments here, that’s okay and it’s part of the game.
Did you expect to play better today?
Anyway, I gave myself a chance, so I’m very disappointed. But I struggled with my service, to find the rhythm, with a lot of things. Some things didn’t go well for me. But he deserved it too, he was the better player, of course.
Was it a bit to blame for the wind too?
Yes, the wind played a small role because the footwork has to be even better for that. That is what I am still missing for sure. And especially against the best, things get complicated. Then to be 0: 2 sets and break behind is a rarity for me. But all I can say is that I’ve tried everything. I would have liked it differently, but nothing more was possible today.
Is this defeat easier to bear because of your history?
I dont know. I was extremely disappointed after the match, I still am. At the same time, there is always a certain burden off your shoulders when a tournament is over – regardless of whether the goal is achieved or not. I just feel horribly drained, I could fall asleep right now … A strange feeling. I’ve tried everything, the last 18 months have been long and hard, and some good things have come out of it. That’s why I’ll definitely be back. I know myself at such moments. At first I’m really hard on myself, after a few hours or days everything is fine again. And then we’ll see.