LONDON, July 16, 2017
Roger Federer clinched his 19th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon on Sunday afternoon and joins Helen Wills Moody in joint fourth place on the all-time list for most major singles titles.
The third seed from Switzerland defeated the tournament’s number seven Marin Cilic in the final 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 in one hour and 41 minutes. Federer lifted his eighth trophy at the All England Club, surpassing Pete Sampras for solo first place on the all-time list.
WIM8LEDON LOVE ❤ 😘🏆#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/uQ8N2PX0be
— Federer Facts (@federer_facts) 16. Juli 2017
In 2001, the Swiss maestro beat seven-time champion Sampras in the fourth round of Wimbledon.
“I didn’t think I would be this successful after beating Pete here,” said the now 35-year-old Federer.
“Winning eight titles is not something you can aim for. If you do you must have so much talent.
“Ii was just a normal guy growing up in Basel and hoping to make a career on tennis tour.
“I put in a lot of work and it paid off.”
Despite the loss, Cilic is taking positives from an excellent grass-court season.
“My level was on a position where it hasn’t been before on grass, so I’m extremely satisfied with that. Extremely happy. This will give me much more confidence, much more strength for the rest of the year.
“I know that my level can even go higher, so that is something that I’m looking forward to. That’s something which is definitely making me more happy.”With that loss today, obviously it’s a sad one, it’s a devastating one, but I’m still very proud and thankful for all my team that was helping me to get here.”
