Federer on the 2019 Wimbledon final: "It didn't affect me for very long"

Six years after one of the most legendary Wimbledon finals, Roger Federer looks back with surprising clarity on this duel lost against Novak Djokovic. Between two missed match points and an unexpected evening, the Swiss delivers a testimony as calm as it is touching.

© AFP

Jules Hypolite

le 19/11/2025 à 20h22

2 min to read

Djokovic Federer

The 2019 Wimbledon final between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic deeply marked tennis fans. In a final that turned into a real thriller, the Swiss had two match points on his serve, at 8-7, 40-15, in the final set.

But a first forehand error followed by a blistering passing shot from Djokovic turned the match around. The dream of a ninth crown in London for Federer vanished, while the Serb, unflappable despite a Centre Court backing the Swiss, prevailed after a decisive super tie-break played at 12-12.

Interviewed this Wednesday by Tages Anzeiger, Federer looked back on this match which remains one of the most painful memories for his supporters.

"Strangely, this final didn't affect me for very long. I don't know why. Maybe because of the children, maybe because I had beaten Rafa in the semifinals. I simply felt that the tournament was over, that I had delivered a great performance, that it was a shame to lose... but that I had to move on.

I analyzed it very rationally. In the days that followed, a few memories came back to me, but never again after that.

This defeat wasn't experienced as a trauma for me. I told myself: from now on, it will remain a good memory. I didn't want to torture my mind about it, especially since I had played really well.

I remember coming home after the final. The children rushed towards me and I told them: 'Give me five minutes'. I needed to release the pressure and lie down for a moment. Then I went into the living room, where about thirty people were gathered. We had a good evening.", said the former world No. 1.