What Roger Federer said after beating Novak Djokovic in 2007 was a hint to his success
Roger Federer’s statement after he beat a young Novak Djokovic in 2007 is a clue as to why he has been so successful since then.
Roger Federer’s comments after beating a 20-year-old Novak Djokovic in the 2007 US Open final are a hint to the secret of his success.
The Serbian challenger was beaten 7-6, 7-6, 6-4 by his 26-year-old opponent in his first Grand Slam final, and has gone on to win 16 in total in the 13 years since.
Federer, 38, has won a record 20 major titles since his first in 2003, and his desire to beat younger challengers could have played a part in his regular triumphs.
He said after that final: "New guys challenging me - this is my biggest motivation out there.
"Seeing them challenging me, and then beating them in the finals."
Fast forward 12 years and Federer is still going strong on the Grand Slam circuit, having narrowly lost in the final of Wimbledon to Djokovic earlier this year.
When asked last month about his plans on retirement, the veteran named Kim Clijsters as possible inspiration.
He told Swiss publication Coop Zeitung: “Kim Clijsters, for example, makes her comeback, that's great. I like the idea.
“I think if you take a break, I firmly believe that you can come back if it works mentally."
Clijsters recently announced that she will return to the WTA tour, seven years after first retiring.
When asked whether Rafael Nadal , who has won 19, or Djokovic is likely to beat his total of Grand Slam victories, the eight-time Wimbledon champion was modest in his response.
He said: “Obviously I would like to keep all my records but it's not realistic.
"The world of tennis and media asks me about it more and more.
“There is always a record to beat and to go through. I hope to stay in course for Grand Slams in 2020.
“But being able to play at this level at my age is so nice.
“And I would like to look at this era like three players who played in amazing way during the same time."