Federer feels 'strange' being in Wimbledon final, 16 years after first

Roger Federer admitted that it felt "strange" he and Serena Williams will compete for Wimbledon titles this weekend, 16 years after he made his Grand Slam breakthrough.

The 37-year-old Swiss reached his 12th final at the All England Club with a 7-6 (7/3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat of old rival Rafael Nadal.

On Sunday, he will face world number one Novak Djokovic where he hopes to capture a ninth Wimbledon and record-extending 21st Grand Slam crown.

Federer won his first Wimbledon in 2003, beating Mark Philippoussis in the final.

That same weekend, Serena was beating sister Venus for the second successive year in the women's final.

On Saturday, Serena faces Simona Halep for an eighth Wimbledon title and record-equalling 24th major.

"Yeah, it's definitely a bit unusual, a bit strange," said Federer who will be the third oldest man to play in a Slam final on Sunday.

"I hope it's going to happen again for somebody, to have such a big span between the first final.

"It's definitely special I think for both of us. Serena was even earlier on tour than me because she made the breakthrough earlier. It's amazing what she's been able to do.

"For me, it's not something I ever expected. Winning that '03 title was something so surreal that it's nice to be back in another final. Means really a lot to me."
"But it's definitely going to go down as one of my favourite matches to look back at because it's Rafa, it's at Wimbledon."