“Last Slam Before I Hit the Big 40”: Roger Federer After Reaching the Last-16 at Wimbledon Championships 2021

Eight-time champion, Roger Federer, stormed into the last-16 of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships. Facing Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the third round, Federer won the match 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 to enter the last-16 at Wimbledon for a record 18th time.

The Swiss Maestro seemed poised en route a straight-set victory, however, Norrie pushed him in the closely contested third set to stretch the match.

Roger Federer talks about turning 40

During the on-court interview, Federer mentioned it was a special feeling to compete at a high level in the last Grand Slam before he turns 40. Having played a handful of matches over the last year and a half, Federer has gone from strength to strength over his last three matches.

“I guess this is one is special because I’m almost 40. This is the last Slam before I hit the big 40. It’s all a bonus, and we’ll see how far I can go here,” said Federer.

Up next, Federer faces Italy’s 26th-ranked Lorenzo Sonego to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the All England Club. In fact, the upcoming clash would be Federer’s 69th Grand Slam fourth round appearance, a huge testament to his consistency.

Seeded No.23, Sonego has defeated the likes of Pedro Sousa, Daniel Galan, and James Duckworth to reach the fourth round. In fact, this is his best-ever performance at Wimbledon since his debut in 2018.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has faced Sonego just once in his career, in the first round of the 2019 French Open. Federer won that match in straight sets.

Chasing a record 9th title at Wimbledon, Federer is four match wins away from the historic achievement. If he lifts the title, he would also clinch his 21st Grand Slam title and move one ahead of his arch-rival, Rafael Nadal, with whom he currently shares the top spot for most Grand Slams won.