Roger Federer admitted that he stayed out until 5am celebrating his record breaking eighth Wimbledon triumph, before re-appearing at SW19 just a few hours later.
And the 35 year-old Swiss also told the younger generation that they need to shape up and improve their games if they are ever going to catch him.
‘There was no music, but it was a great dinner,’ he said of last night’s Champions’ function at London’s Guildhall. ‘I always feel bad that we arrive so late. By the time I got there they were already on the main course, which is a bit unfortunate in my opinion. But I was happy to be there again. It never grows old. Garbine (Muguruza), I think she was a bit tired, but she looked wonderful.
‘So we had a great time. Got to bed at five, then woke up, and just didn’t feel good. The last hour or so I’m somewhat OK again. So I’m happy with that. We had a good time.’
Federer also reflected on how the other players of thirty-plus have continued their domination.
‘Every generation definitely is different. Since my generation and Rafa’s generation, yes, the next one hasn’t been strong enough to push all of us out really,’ he said. ‘So that has been helpful for us to stick around.’
According to the Swiss master, younger players have to learn different ways how to beat the established stars, and perhaps not try to get stuck in long rallies with them all the time.
‘They can choose not to play that way, if the coach has taught them to play differently. I know you can easily get sucked into that mode when you don’t want to attack, but if you can’t volley you are not going to go to the net.
‘Almost every player here I played wouldn’t serve and volley, it’s frightening to me, to see this at this level, I look at the stats and go into whatever round it is and see that the guy I’m going to face is playing two per cent of serve and volley throughout the championship.
‘I’m going “okay, I know he’s not going to serve and volley, which is great.” Then we are talking about grass, and it was playing fast this week and I feel like I wish that we would see more coaches, more players taking chances up at net because good things do happen there, and you want to be there and have to spend some time up there to feel confident and good there.’
Federer wants to enjoy his regained status before scheming out what he wants in the future.
‘The target now is to enjoy being Wimbledon champion for a year, and Australian Open champion and you name it. So, I haven’t sets sights on a number of Grand Slams that I have to or want to achieve.
‘I never really had that; I was very content at 17, I must tell you. Of course, I was going to be happier at 18 and I’m even happier at 19. But 17 was a wonderful number so I think for me it’s just about enjoying myself, staying healthy and then we’ll see what happens.
‘I’m playing for titles at this stage in my career; rankings not so much unless I’m as close as I am right now so I just have to check the situation – if it’s worth it to run after it or not. ‘
35-year-old Federer beat a tearful Croatian Maric Cilic in straight sets in Sunday’s final
