I´m an old man! – Federer excited to rest

“Old man” Roger Federer spoke of his excitement at the prospect of a day’s rest after skirting the weather to book a fourth-round spot at Wimbledon on Friday.

Rain has wrecked the schedule at the All-England Club, with some second-round contests played on Friday as the first week draws to a close. As a result, Sunday will be used for play for the first time since 2004 and only the fourth time in the event’s history.

Playing under the roof when required on Centre Court, Federer has had no such troubles, and the Swiss great secured his third straight-sets win of the week by seeing off Dan Evans.

Having recovered from the back injury that kept him out of the French Open, Federer pointed to the importance of a favourable run so far.

“I’m clearly very happy because the goal was to get to the second week somehow,” Federer said.

“Now I won nine straight sets, which is great.

“Plus with the wet weather that we’ve seen, the opponents that I had, I’m never quite sure. But I was favoured, if I would be feeling 100 per cent, great, yes, you would maybe expect that.

“But I didn’t know for myself where I was, so I am happy where I am now.

He added: “I got to focus on my own thing.  I know it sounds boring, but it’s not my mistake.  It’s just what happened.  I might take a day off tomorrow just because I can!

“I have to take them when I can. I’m an old guy!

“I’m looking forward to my day off tomorrow.  On Sunday I’ll practice with more intensity, I guess, to keep that intensity, play points, go to the gym again.

“Tomorrow it’s relax, and Monday hopefully I’ll have great energy when I come back.”