Roger Federer credits the blissful birth of his twin daughters for helping inspire his remarkable return to the top of the world tennis rankings.
Federer displaced Novak Djokovic as world No.1 after landing his record-equalling seventh Wimbledon title on Sunday to break a two-and-a-half year grand slam title drought.
The superstar Swiss admits the arrival of Charlene Riva and Myla Rose in July 2009 – six months before winning his 16th major at Melbourne Park – changed his world.
“People forget sometimes I do have twin girls, you know. That has had a massive impact on my life, my game,” he said after denying Andy Murray his maiden major with a captivating 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4 final at the All England Club.
“I think it’s helped my game more than anything because I think I’m playing some of the best tennis of my life right now, and since a long time now.
“But just to be able to juggle everything together has been a challenge and I think you learn from mistakes.
“You try to make it work for everyone involved. Hasn’t always been easy. I admit that.
“But, of course, the victory today is a dream come true for me and my family, seeing them there. It’s the best.”
Federer turns 31 next month, but says retirement’s not in his sights and believes he’s a superior player now than when he was dominating the game at 25.
“God, I’ve practiced so much. You don’t want to be worse five years later,” he said.
“I feel I have a great game today. Maybe there were times I had such incredible confidence that you do pull triggers and you pull off shots that maybe today I don’t because I maybe do play a bit more the percentages.
“I know how hard it is to pull off those great shots and I know how easy it is to miss, so I’m more aware of these things.
“But I’m so happy I’m at the age I am right now because I had such a great run and I know there’s still more possible.
“It’s very different than when I was 20 or 25. I’m at a much more stable place in my life. Yeah, I wouldn’t want anything to change. So this is very, very special right now.”
