Federer Wins Seventh Wimbledon Title, Reclaiming No. 1 Ranking

Roger Federer added another Wimbledon title to his collection, defeating World No. 4 Andy Murray, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4, to reclaim the World No. 1 ATP ranking.

It is Federer’s seventh Wimbledon singles title, equalling Pete Sampras’ record, and his 17th Major title, adding to his own record.

“The victory today is a dream come true today for me and my family,” Federer said. “Yeah, it’s big.”

Federer, 30, is the first player over the age of 30 to win a Major since a 32-year-old Andre Agassi won the 2003 Australian Open.

“This year I guess I decided in the bigger matches to take it more to my opponent instead of waiting a bit more for the mistakes,” Federer said. “This is, I guess, how you want to win Wimbledon, by going after your shots, believing you can do it, and that’s what I was able to do today.”

“I knew how close I was for the last few years, and some people didn’t quite see that. But I knew and I think the belief got me to victory today.”

Murray won the first set, breaking Federer’s serve twice. It was the first time in his four Grand Slam finals – three against Federer – that he had ever won a set.

But the turning point of the match came in the third set, after the Centre Court roof was closed during a 40 minute rain delay. Murray’s 10-deuce service game at 2-3 lasted 20 minutes, Federer with six break point chances. Federer finally converted to go up 4-2 in the third, and Murray only saw one break point chance for the entire rest of the match, Federer saving it.

“I’d say that’s the best I’ve played in a Slam final,” Murray said. “I created chances. Obviously went up a set. It was a long match. Even the last two sets, I still had chances the game where I got broken in the third set. It wasn’t like I gave away bad games or stupid games and stuff. I played a good match. I made pretty good decisions for the most part, so I’m happy with that.”

Federer had encouraging words for Murray following the match.

“I really do believe deep down in me he will win Grand Slams, not just one,” Federer said. “I do wish him all the best. This is genuine. He works extremely hard. He’s as professional as you can be. Things just didn’t quite turn out for him in the finals that he hoped for. But today I’m sure he got another step closer to a Grand Slam title for him. I really do believe and hope for him that he’s going to win one soon.”