LONDON: Buoyed by his record-setting eighth Wimbledon title, Roger Federer warned rivals Monday that he could play until he's 40, spearheading a late-life era of supremacy alongside Rafael Nadal.
Federer eased past injury-hit Marin Cilic to become the oldest Wimbledon men's champion of the modern era on Sunday, breaking the tie for seven All England Club titles he had shared with Pete Sampras since his last triumph in 2012.
It also gave him a 19th Grand Slam title in his 29th final at the majors.
With his 36th birthday just three weeks away Federer believes that he could still be playing the tournament when he's 40.
"You would think so, if health permitting and everything is okay," said Federer, who won his first Wimbledon title in 2003.
His confidence in his longevity is based on the radical transformation he's made to his playing schedule since his semi-final defeat to Milos Raonic at Wimbledon in 2016.