Roger Federer: Novak Djokovic moving up the ladder

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  • Roger Federer's record tally of grand slams won stays at 17.

    Roger Federer believes it’s too early to pass a verdict on Novak Djokovic’s place in the history of tennis but says the Serb is constantly moving up the ladder.

    — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2015

    Federer’s four-set defeat to Djokovic denied the Swiss a chance to become the first man in history to win eight Wimbledon titles and kept his record tally of grand slams won at 17.

    Meanwhile Djokovic won his ninth overall and third at Wimbledon.

    Asked where he sees Djokovic’s position amongst the greats of the game, Federer said: “Moving up. We don’t know who is what, all these things. 

    “But he’s clearly making a big name for himself, you know, having won as many times now as he has in these different slams. But also his streak at world No 3, 2, 1, keeping it up, keeping it going, winning a lot of titles time and time again.

    “Staying injury‑free now for him is crucial. Clearly he’s going to be one of the top guys. Where? We’ll still have to wait and see. I’m sure he still has many more great years ahead of him.”

    Federer and Djokovic were taken off court straight after the final was over as the organisers chose to close the roof – which typically takes about 20 minutes – before ushering them back on for the trophy ceremony.

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    The world No2 found that bizarre but said in a way it helped him not think about the disappointment of defeat.

    “Some matches tend to be easier to digest,” said the 33-year-old Federer.

    “This one feels the case, just because the end of it. It was awkward having to shut the roof. You go take a shower. You come back for the ceremony. I was like ‘give it to Novak. It’s his moment. Okay, fine. Let’s go take a shower, come back’. So that was weird.

    “I think that gave me a chance to also settle down and come back and have a much better idea of what actually happened out on court.

    “I still think I had a great tournament. For me a finalist trophy is not the same. Everybody knows that. 

    “But thankfully I’ve won here in the past, so it does not feel like I’m chasing anything.”

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