Roger Federer: This Is Huge For Me, My Season, My Career, It’s A Big Moment!

by Tom Gainey | July 6th, 2016, 6:50 pm
  • 70 Comments

Roger Federer put together one of his greatest comebacks of his career this afternoon at Wimbledon coming from two sets down to beat Marin Cilic 67(4), 46, 63, 76(9), 63. It was Federer 10th career time he’s come from two sets down to win.

“This is huge for me, my season, my career,” said Federer. “I’m very, very happy. I’ve had some good comeback, but this is on Centre Court at Wimbledon and it still gives me the chance to win the tournament. It is a big moment.”

The former No. 1 was blown out by Cilic in their last meeting in the 2014 US Open finals. And the match began with Cilic again dominating early. The Croat even held three more breakpoints midway through the third set before Federer turned things, saving three matchpoints in the fourth.


“It’s great winning matches like these, coming back from two sets to love. It’s rare. When it happens, you really enjoy them,” said Federer. “I definitely felt like I got lucky to some extent. When you’re saving match points… it’s a moment when it’s not in your control anymore. But I fought, I tried, I believed. At the end, I got it done. It was an emotional win, always [is] when you come back from two sets to love. But because of the season that I’ve had, it’s wonderful.”

Cilic had never lost a 5-set lead in his career.

“If we would go back to play again, I would try to be more aggressive on the chances when I had them in the fourth. Maybe there was a slight hesitation [during] some of them,” Cilic said.

The victory was also the 307th of his Grand Slam career, surpassing Martina Navratilova’s record.

Federer will have a day off before meeting Milos Raonic in the semifinals on Friday.


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70 Comments for Roger Federer: This Is Huge For Me, My Season, My Career, It’s A Big Moment!

Dan Martin Says:

Thanks for all of the support for a former tennis-x writer. I have my predictions and a poll up about tomorrow’s matches at http://tennisabides.com Federer’s win from behind and Murray’s win from ahead were two fun matches. Cilic and Tsonga need to take positive from today and make the tour even stronger.

July 6th, 2016 at 7:32 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

Some people should understand that cats should be fed reasonable amount of food. 5 sets wins don’t mean unlimited food, they may get sick.

July 6th, 2016 at 9:56 pm


skeezer Says:

HR,
You know I have no cats, so why lie? I do have Dogs, and Dogs likes to chase cats? Don’t you know? And cats like to eat Fishies.
Just tell the truth about your Fishies, and the fish bait that doesn’t work anymore.
How is the Fishing since you gave up Tennis? Watch out for cats, but more so Dogs.

July 6th, 2016 at 10:47 pm


skeezer Says:

Huge moment in Feds career, a no choke come back from the brink all time memory moment, topped with the finger wagging reminder Novak moment that puts the capper on the bottle @ and old age of almost 35.
Sawweeet.

July 6th, 2016 at 10:50 pm


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Love seeing Fed’s excitement over this win, how much it means to him. Thing of beauty!

July 6th, 2016 at 10:53 pm


skeezer Says:

Big notice; no congrats from the CON, WB & tag team TB amoung others. Who expected anything otherwise? Lol.
Gone is the talk of country, politics, drinking, gawking, and back is the talk and admiration of Tennis and the famous finger wag.

This Slam has been the most entertaining of the year! The best is yet to come.
Lookng forward to the Semis.

July 6th, 2016 at 11:20 pm


Tennis Vagabond Says:

LOL Skeeze. The good wishes, I’m sure, are coming.

I don;t know if its been the most entertaining Slam of the year yet. Hopefully the best is to come. Love the semifinal line-up though.

July 6th, 2016 at 11:35 pm


jatin Says:

Huge for us fans as well Fed. Keep going

July 7th, 2016 at 12:20 am


Van Persie Says:

“Big notice; no congrats from the CON, WB & tag team TB amoung others. Who expected anything otherwise? Lol.”

The bar is that low for cat lover.:)
He expects congrats for qualification in semifinal. Ok, Congrats Skeezer :)

“Gone is the talk of country, politics, drinking, gawking, and back is the talk and admiration of Tennis and the famous finger wag.”

I see you are a big fan of finger wag. Here’s one from me : _I_ ;)

July 7th, 2016 at 1:56 am


Michael Says:

What a majestic come back from the Maestro at this age ? Simply marvelous which left me totally awe struck. Ofcourse, he was aided to a certain extent by Cilic who was a bit circumspect in those match points and he must have cursed himself for squandering them with his passive play. But, still you have got to give credit to Roger for the way he maintained his composure and was ice cool in those moments of crisis and just showed his grit, determination, class and above all endurance to take those chances as they come.

I am sure this win would be a defining moment in his career and particularly at this tournament which he entered with a great degree of self doubt and loss of confidence. Now, having only to face Raonic in the Semi finals and I am sure Roger will fancy his chances to a great extent considering their H2H which is heavily loaded in favour of him. There is every chance now that Roger might win another Wimbledon title to become the first man both in amateur and Professional era to hog the glory of kissing the penultimate crown in Tennis for the eighth time.

More than Andy, Roger would love to face Berdych in the finals.

July 7th, 2016 at 2:10 am


FedExpress Says:

i am going through the event statistics on the wimbledon page and apprantly thiem has had hit a serve with the speed of 140 MPH. wow

July 7th, 2016 at 2:14 am


Margot Says:

And where, dear Van Persie, is the “special” thread and the congratulations for darling Andy, whose semi final and wonderful come back was surely as exciting in tennis terms, as Fed’s?
Just asking……;)

July 7th, 2016 at 2:32 am


Van Persie Says:

Margot,

I have the feeling you will get this on Sunday ;)

July 7th, 2016 at 2:51 am


Van Persie Says:

P.S. I cannot congratulate Andy for being a semifinalist atm, I can only do this, when he takes the whole thing :)

July 7th, 2016 at 2:56 am


Sivaji Says:

He satisfied with this achievement. So, He is gonna loose against Raonic

July 7th, 2016 at 3:27 am


J-Kath Says:

Van Persie.

For your sake, let’s hope that meek-mannered, softly-spoken, languid-lad Andy has a fetish against “byrds”, “elks” and or “goats”, otherwise you may have to answer to “She who must be obeyed”.

I’m so timid I need to congratulate Andy now….just in case.

July 7th, 2016 at 4:34 am


Anki Says:

Roger Andy final with Andy winning. Roger is serving well, but it is not going to be enough sadly. Also excellent oppurtunity for Andy to may be sbatch the YE #1 from Novak if he keeps his form. Still, surreal that no Novak in the business of the slam. Any info on him? Was he having any sort of injury or illness?

July 7th, 2016 at 4:42 am


Van Persie Says:

Haha JK, nice post :)

July 7th, 2016 at 4:57 am


madmax Says:

Pure guts and heart from Roger.

Very proud of his come back.

An absolute thriller. One of the best matches I have ever seen him play.

Now to keep marching forwards, onwards to the semi finals, with more confidence and an absolute game plan against Milos. The high must be enormous right now.

July 7th, 2016 at 5:18 am


Willow Says:

i dont have a problem with WB personally, but when i mentioned about Murray having a game better suited to grass than clay, TB pointed out, well Novak has a better game everywhere and started to brag about how Novak was going to win W, and everything else this year,i repeat that i dont hate ND but it is great to bring some of his know it all, smug fans down a peg or two, and see them go away a scrape the egg off their faces ….

July 7th, 2016 at 5:51 am


J-Kath Says:

Thank you, Van Persie. I try to meet your high standards.

July 7th, 2016 at 5:53 am


Van Persie Says:

Lol JK, Hope Andy will also try :) hehe

July 7th, 2016 at 5:57 am


Van Persie Says:

I just realized, that it will be very interesting if Andy and Roger meet in the final. For Andy it would be the 3 consecutive final from Calendar Year and for Roger the 3 consecutive Wimby final.

July 7th, 2016 at 6:57 am


Michael Says:

Roger always fancies his chances against Andy. But it will be really a pressure moment for both Andy and Roger if things crystallize as visualized. Roger is in his consecutive third Wimbledon final and Andy in a losing streak in major finals. Both would want this show down to end in a relieving moment of their horrid experience and so the stakes are really huge.

Andy has the age while Roger has the experience. It will be on helluva of a match.

July 7th, 2016 at 8:19 am


J-Kath Says:

Van Persie….Yes, it’s me again. Just thought you should be the first to know (after myself):

Due to it being Andy’s “3rd consecutive final from Calendar Year and Roger’s 3rd consecutive Wimby final”…. Roger has suggested to Andy that they call it douce. They hold the trophy between them, share the winning points and monetary award. He has generously given Andy the initiative to pull out first and once that’s been confirmed….then he’ll follow after a suitable period.

I thought it was a lovely idea.

July 7th, 2016 at 8:28 am


Willow Says:

Michael getting ahead of yourself there, Berdych AND/OR Raonic might have something to say about your prediction ….

July 7th, 2016 at 8:32 am


Willow Says:

J-Kath lol ….

July 7th, 2016 at 8:33 am


Van Persie Says:

“Due to it being Andy’s “3rd consecutive final from Calendar Year and Roger’s 3rd consecutive Wimby final”…. Roger has suggested to Andy that they call it douce.”

J-Kath, Roger is an old fox. He wanna get also a Nobel prize with this idea ;)

July 7th, 2016 at 8:58 am


Danica Says:

Why, I did congratulate the winners and their fans yesterday on another thread ;).

July 7th, 2016 at 9:00 am


Willow Says:

Danica your always very fair ;-) ….

July 7th, 2016 at 9:03 am


J-Kath Says:

Michael:

“Roger is in his consecutive third Wimbledon final and Andy in a losing streak in major finals”

It’s 4 years since Roger won a Grand Slam. I believe its 2 years since Andy won one- and that was Wimbledon. I don’t believe Roger was in that final….wasn’t it Nole?

July 7th, 2016 at 9:05 am


Willow Says:

J-Kath exactly ….

July 7th, 2016 at 9:11 am


Danica Says:

Anki,
Novak is vacationing with his family on Adriatic coast. He’s in Montenegro atm but I’m guessing his yacht will take him to Croatia too.

As for what happened to him, I didn’t read anything except that those in the know were saying the pressure and mental exhaustion got him. Also, I believe, the unfair scheduling had the big part. Roger and Andy are yet to play on “mandatory” court #1. Rest assured and mark my words for future years: if he has to play big servers, he’ll be scheduled to play on that court. Specially if the weather forecast promisses rain.

July 7th, 2016 at 9:14 am


Van Persie Says:

J-K,

Andy won Wimby in 2013, and yes he beat Nole in that final. In 2014 and 2015 we had Nole_Roger finals.

July 7th, 2016 at 9:20 am


Danica Says:

Willow,
Thanks but you may have already changed your mind after my last post :). However,I don’t want to mention and bring Novak in to this thread. It is devoted for deserving winners yesterday :).

The final stages of the tournament will surely be interesting. Sorry to Berdie’s fans but I don’t see him winning. But the remaining three have each great chance.

July 7th, 2016 at 9:21 am


madmax Says:

These are some fabulous comments from Stephen Tignor – I will post the full link below.

Wondering what all the fed fans were doing at the crucial points in the match – I think I was a mix of all of them!

“This was the only one of those tie-breaks where Federer also went on to win the match, and it may have been the most dramatic of the three. Where were you during those 20 points? Were you hiding behind the couch as Cilic reached match point? Were you glued to your chair as Federer won a heart-stopping volley exchange at the net?

Were you on the floor in front of the screen as Cilic pounded another winning serve onto the sideline? Were you disturbing the neighbors with your screams as Federer flipped an easy forehand long on set point? Were you watching from a different screen, in a different room, because you thought it would bring your favorite player luck? Could you bear to watch?

Even if you couldn’t, you knew that it’s for moments like these that we watch in the first place. And whether or not you were happy with the result, part of you knew that this match was going to reach that moment today. This was Wimbledon, this was grass, this was Federer. It had to end that way.

http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/articles/2016-07-06/thoughts_from_day_9_centre_court_inspires_federer.html?dm_i=2Q9C,9J1O,RUPAC,W325,1

It is a wonderful report.

July 7th, 2016 at 9:25 am


madmax Says:

Looking at titles of

‘Gutsiest move I ever saw, man’.

Enjoy the next 10 seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4ArVdui8tE

July 7th, 2016 at 9:29 am


Anki Says:

@Danica, Thanks..He needs a long break from Tennis. Hope he is back to his usual self for Rio and USO.

July 7th, 2016 at 9:30 am


J-Kath Says:

Madmax

Genuinely happy for you.

July 7th, 2016 at 9:32 am


J-Kath Says:

Thanks VP. Couldn’t remember which year Andy had his operation…should have looked it up….either way is still OK.

Willow: Glad you are around. Last few days of Tennis…degree of withdrawal symptoms chez-moi expected…and lots of catch-up-work. Did you finish your course, or last module pending?

July 7th, 2016 at 9:42 am


madmax Says:

J-Kath :-)

Fed Express,

This link is for you. I suspect you will miss this post, but to realise that we really are, ALL in the same boat at the same time, kind of helps a little bit. :-)

Still feeling on a high. Hope it continues!

http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/articles/2016-07-06/thoughts_from_day_9_centre_court_inspires_federer.html?dm_i=2Q9C,9J1O,RUPAC,W325,1

Jatin, what are you up to?

July 7th, 2016 at 9:54 am


skeezer Says:

I saw that Andy is already practicing serves today
and…….Fed?
I’d be shocked if he sets foot on a court. Probably to busy getting iced down, IV’d, massaged, etc. lol

July 7th, 2016 at 10:19 am


madmax Says:

Skeezer, for sure.

Federer – He is match fit and ready.

I still think that anything can happen tomorrow. Milos is on fire, the best he has ever played I believe.

I still believe that Federer is on a high and probably right now is watching as many videos as he can, to hatch out a cunning plan! :-)

July 7th, 2016 at 11:11 am


FedExpress Says:

madmax, ty for the post. i noticed it and read it. this guy is something special. the first time i watched him was in 2003 the semis vs roddick. absolutly loved it when he served and volleyed back then. already back then there was something magical and special about him.

he had his fair share of downs and ups.

guys, as feds match is the first one tomorrow i will miss the beginning. wil update your posts and the live scores every 10 seconds.

and on top of it i will miss the whole final. tried to postphone the thing but not possible. nail biting as it wasnt without it.

will watch the complete match on bbc iplayer for sure (only in the case if fed wins ;) )

so finger crossed fed rules back the years like he did in 2012

July 7th, 2016 at 11:30 am


Willow Says:

J-Kath next week i have a maths test, what it has to do with care work though i dont know, and then i have to do a presentation on any topic of my choice , and then thats it, as my units are all done, just need marking, ill just be glad when its all over and done with TBH, as ive had enough now ! ….

Anyway we had some fantastic matches yesterday, and im pleased to say, it turned into a very open tournament, no disrespect but i was getting tired of everyone else been a certain players play things, so its quite refreshing to see some other players making a statement ….

July 7th, 2016 at 11:31 am


chrisford1 Says:

Milos Raonic has the game for a Wimbledon win. Fed has had good fortune against fireball servers with his block return and slice backhand – but lately, Raonic has been mowing down those that try it with aggressively coming to net. He looks very, very solid and knows his best chance of getting “Slam-level hype” and product endorsements is by winning the one Slam that suits his game.
Should be interesting.
Andy is playing a guy capable of ousting a star, as Roger can attest.
Good semis.

July 7th, 2016 at 11:35 am


J-Kath Says:

Willow

A topic of your choice…don’t tempt to come up with some weird, controversial subjects. Anyway your race is nearly run. So good luck for your final.

Re. Tennis: Choice getting tight now, though. Down to four!!!!.

July 7th, 2016 at 12:21 pm


madmax Says:

Stay positive FedEx!

Good luck for Roger tomorrow. All the very, very best!

Gutsy Fighter!

July 7th, 2016 at 12:49 pm


Margot Says:

FedEx: ta for reminding me of 2012- Olympic Gold! Go Andy!

July 7th, 2016 at 12:49 pm


Van Persie Says:

Good one Margot, and if he wins, pls tell him to wag the finger ;)

July 7th, 2016 at 1:07 pm


Van Persie Says:

^^Djoker was more in the hurry to eat some grass and forgot to do it

July 7th, 2016 at 1:12 pm


James Says:

I predict it will be Murray-Raonic final. And I wouldn’t count Murray out – for losing another final. He’s lost 8 already, 2-8 so far in slam finals, wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes 2-9.

What would surprise me are the following three:

1. Murray loses to Berdych.
2. Fed beats Raonic.
3. Murray wins wimbledon.

July 7th, 2016 at 1:13 pm


J-Kath Says:

Be ready to be surprised, James.

July 7th, 2016 at 1:20 pm


James Says:

Which one(s) of the three, J-Kath? I hope not the third.

July 7th, 2016 at 1:22 pm


Willow Says:

I Like the finger wag even Kerber did it today ….

July 7th, 2016 at 1:26 pm


Van Persie Says:

Lol, perhaps she will get one back from Serena

July 7th, 2016 at 1:29 pm


J-Kath Says:

You guessed right, James. Shall we exchange “Told You So’s” – without venom, of course?

July 7th, 2016 at 1:33 pm


skeezer Says:

Andy has been playing very well this year overall. Me thinks he is in the best form. If Milos gets through Fed, I see Murray winning that one and his second Wimbledon title.
But…..a big butt, if Fed gets through, overall he has had a mental ownership over Murray and I would call that one a toss up.

July 7th, 2016 at 1:40 pm


J-Kath Says:

Skeezer:

This is Andy – Mark III.

July 7th, 2016 at 2:15 pm


James Says:

J-Kath, sure. I know Murray is the favorite, but I somehow feel this is Raonic’s time, especially with McEnroe in his box.

That said, I agree with skeezer, if fed can get a quick win over Raonic (3 or 4 sets, 2.5 hours or less), I think he would be a slight favorite against Murray. Problem is, Federer might be out of gas, completely, and might lose to Raonic.

July 7th, 2016 at 2:15 pm


J-Kath Says:

James: I think Roger will beat Raonic. McEnroe is saying things like be aggressive, move to the net….there really hasn’t been a lot of real time for Mac. to get into it. Raonic is highly intelligent and has likely absorbed Mac’s suggestions….but without time to let the improvements become automatic….I think Roger will do it.
Fascinating, either way.

July 7th, 2016 at 3:04 pm


James Says:

Raonic also seems to have lost some weight – he looks fitter. His net game has been good so far, and he is coming to the net quite often. Lets see – I think all depends on Fed’s fitness. If he is fit enough, Fed would be a slight favorite.

Wouldn’t mind Fed winning his 18th here at all!

July 7th, 2016 at 4:16 pm


Daniel Says:

The match agaisnt Cilic was demanding, more mentally. Beofre that Fed didn’t stat 2 hours on court in no match so he was relativly fresh. The weeks in Stutgart or Halle were more demanding than this format with a day rest. He didn’t have drama with rain schedule and tomorrow he knows will be a lot of fast points. Can’t see Raonic draining him, it’s actaully a perfect match after a 5 setter and another day test nefore the big one. Bithe definetly cannot go five again.

I will do “home office” tomorrow morning again. If it was the second match I wouldn’t be able to watch live. So FedEx I’ll be postung like crazy (as usual) during match as well. 😜👇⌨

July 7th, 2016 at 4:39 pm


FedExpress Says:

thx daniel
germany lost to france but not even disappointed (i am german btw)

federer effect i guess

July 7th, 2016 at 5:58 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

Wouldn’t mind Fed winning his 18th here at all!
—
Is there anything else you wouldn’t mind? Just wanted to start a list of fantasies since we have you on a roll.

July 7th, 2016 at 6:08 pm


J-Kath Says:

For those who are interested in statistics:

http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/55770

July 7th, 2016 at 6:40 pm


danica Says:

Wow James,
your #s 2 and 3 are really severe.

July 7th, 2016 at 7:53 pm


skeezer Says:

VP,
Thank you👍

July 7th, 2016 at 9:35 pm

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