Roger Federer set to play ‘special’ final match of career on Friday with Rafael Nadal – and could end it on live television.
The world number one is due to face Andy Murray as he bids for his eighth grand slam singles title at next month’s Australian Open in Melbourne and, with a victory, could end his career as an 11-time Wimbledon winner.
Federer will play his final singles match at the Australian Open which starts on Friday.
Federer plays Nadal in two hours on Centre Court to close his career on a high – and he will become Grand Slam champion for the first time since winning the US Open in a final in 2008.
Nadal will be trying to win the first of his nine titles at the tournament against a man who has beaten him six times, including three times in four sets.
Federer, who is also bidding to win his second Wimbledon title, is unbeaten against his compatriot in the final.
“There was no magic. A lot of hard work,” he said of his semi-final against Murray, who produced a match of his own to overcome the Swiss by forcing a third set tie-break in the decider.
“I know that he didn’t really want it. He was very confident. He fought hard. He beat me seven times in a best-of-five,” Federer added.
“I’m very, very happy because it’s my last match. I’m very, very happy for me – because I’ve been playing well, I played my best tennis and I’ve deserved to win.”
He also believes Nadal has become ‘more mature’ after the defeat to Federer.
“The important thing is that he is more mature, that he gets used to this tournament and to a final,” Federer said. “So it should be a very, very interesting final and I hope it’ll be a good match for him.”
Nadal said: “I hope I’ll win in a good match.
“I have the opportunity to win this tournament and to be champion. I’
