Roger Federer vows to return to Wimbledon next year

"Of course the goal is to come back here next year. I wouldn't call it 'unfinished business'. I felt like I did some good business here in the past already"

By Raz Mirza at Wimbledon

Roger Federer has vowed to return to Wimbledon next year but said he felt "just awful" after a shock five-set defeat to Kevin Anderson on Wednesday.

A marathon quarter-final lasting four hours and 13 minutes ended with defending champion and eight-time winner Federer, who had a match point in the third set, losing 13-11 in the fifth.

Federer, 36, said: "Of course the goal is to come back here next year. I wouldn't call it 'unfinished business'. I felt like I did some good business here in the past already."

To be honest, I didn't feel mental fatigue. Now I feel horribly fatigued and just awful. It's just terrible. But that's how it goes. Credit to him.
Roger Federer

He added: "It's disappointing losing the next two sets after winning the first two and having match points. I've been there before. I know what kind of energy I need to bring to the fifth. I was able to bring that.

"To be honest, I didn't feel mental fatigue. Now I feel horribly fatigued and just awful. It's just terrible. But that's how it goes. Credit to him."

Advertisement

An inspired Anderson was relentless, thudding serves and eventually overpowering the 20-time Grand Slam winner to end his bid for a ninth title with a 2-6 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 6-4 13-11 win.

"Sometimes you don't feel good, and you try your best," added Federer.

Also See:

"It's just not one of my best days, but they don't happen very often either. It's one of those average days when you have to try to win the match, and I just couldn't get it done."

A jubilant Anderson, US Open runner-up last year, celebrated his first win over Federer in five attempts and a maiden appearance in a Wimbledon semi-final.

VOTE: Wimbledon men's winner

Vote for your Wimbledon men's winner after Roger Federer's shock exit

The 32-year-old South African, seeded eighth, said: "I feel the few times I've played him in the past, I've walked onto the court without the necessary belief that I needed to to get through the match.

"If you play somebody ranked lower than you, you have a bit more natural confidence in the match. In tough times you can sort of rely on 'hey, I feel like I'm a better tennis player, I'm going to get through'.

"I felt it was a little bit tough saying that against Roger. But I changed that phrase and said 'What's happened in the past is in the past. All I need to worry about is today.'

"I felt like I was just trying to keep myself very highly motivated, a lot of belief in myself and said 'Today is going to be my day'."

We have Wimbledon covered from all angles via our website skysports.com/tennis then click through to our dedicated section skysports.com/tennis/wimbledon. On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation.

Keep up to date with the latest on skysports.com/tennis

We will have news, previews, live blogs, reports and expert analysis from Wimbledon. On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation.

Our next tennis action comes from the German Open in Hamburg. Watch the action live on Sky Sports Arena from Monday, July 23 from 10am.

Never miss the big kick-off or have to deal with interrupted games or low-quality streams with a NOW TV Sky Sports Pass this summer. You'll get exclusive coverage of the 147th Open from Carnoustie, The Ryder Cup, ATP Tour, World Darts Matchplay, and loads more starting from just £7.99. No contract.

Tennis updates straight to your phone

How to receive all the latest tennis news straight to your mobile

Outbrain