LONDON: Roger Federer reached The Wimbledon last 16 for the 18th time on Saturday and then admitted that the extraordinary title of Novak Djokovic’s favorite “deserved” to stand on the verge of history.
Djokovic can attract the level with Federer and Rafael Nadal in 20 grand slam titles if he secures the sixth Wimbledon title next weekend.
It will leave the number one world that requires only US Open in September to become only the third man in history, and first since Rod Laver in 1969, to complete the grand slam calendar.
“It’s very, very impressive to see what he did this year,” Federer said after defeating Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 on Saturday to book a place in the fourth round of a grand slam for 69th time.
“He can have a different way of winning the match.
He is done very well in Australia, now again in Paris.
It’s amazing, of course.” He looks like a big favorite here.
He deserves it.
He worked very hard.
He played great at the same time too.
He will be difficult to defeat.
“Djokovic has achieved something that failed to do Federer and Nadal so far failed – winning the four spots twice.
Serbia has this year also taking a Federer record for the total week spent in the world number one in the world.
Eight times Wimbledon Champion Federer is the third oldest man To reach the 16th round at the All England Club in the open era – after Pancho Gonzales (41) in 1969 and Ken Rosewall (40) in 1975.
He could have it ended Saturday’s match in a direct set when he had two break points in the game 11 of the third set.
However, Norrie explored deeply to force the tie into the fourth set but when Federer went bankrupt for 5-4, there was no second chance.
Federer finished with 48 winners because he won the 104th Wimbledon match slamming for the 69th time .
It was 14 more than Djokovic and 19 in front of Nadal.
“This proves to me when I wake up in the morning that has happened,” Federe added r which will be 40 in five weeks.
“I have loved every minute and I hope there’s a little more.
It’s really fun to play now.” This is special because I am almost 40 – at this point all the bonuses and I will see how.
Far, I can go here.
“