He discussed how back pain that sidelined him for about six weeks this season really took a toll. “I had to play too offensive,” he said. “Yeah, it’s only since before Rome (in late April) that I felt like the old guy again.” That “old guy” sure went on a roll: Federer beat Nadal in the final at Madrid, then became only the third man since 1970 to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same season.

Federer was asked how winning No 15 compared to winning No 14. “The 14th for me was really special, and obviously, with the combination of Paris being the first, it was so fitting. It was even more fitting breaking the record here at Wimbledon,” he said. “I just thought being on the same level with majors as Pete, that was kind of important to me, and not really breaking his record. I almost feel a little bit bad, to be quite honest.”