Roger Federer says his semifinal win over Rafael Nadal on Friday "had everything" and will go down as one of his favourite Wimbledon memories but he was glad when it was over.
Federer won another epic battle with his old foe 7-6 (7-3) 1-6 6-3 6-4 at the All England Club to set up a showdown with Novak Djokovic.
The Swiss legend produced a majestic performance on Centre Court 11 years after he lost to Nadal in a classic final the last time they met in the grass-court grand slam.
Federer has won eight titles at SW19 and ranks his win over Nadal as one of the best experiences he has had in the tournament.
Asked where it would rate among his displays in south-west London, Federer said: "Obviously extremely high. It's always very, very cool to play against Rafa here, especially because we haven't played in so long.
"It lived up to the hype, especially from coming out of the gates, we were both playing very well. Then the climax at the end with the crazy last game, some tough rallies there.
"It had everything at the end, which was great, I guess. I'm just relieved it's all over at this point.
"But it's definitely, definitely going to go down as one of my favourite matches to look back at, again, because it's Rafa, it's at Wimbledon, the crowds were into it, great weather.
"I felt like I played good throughout the four sets. I can be very happy."
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Federer was in no mood to celebrate, though, with such a huge match to come on Sunday.
"Age kicks in. I know it's not over yet. There's no point to start partying tonight or get too emotional, too happy about it, even though I am extremely happy," he said.
"I think I can with experience really separate the two. If it was the end of the tournament, it would be very different right now. I'd be speaking very different, feeling very different. There is, unfortunately or fortunately, one more.
"It's great on many levels. But I've got to put my head down and stay focused, you know."
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