Every record Federer broke during unbelievable Wimbledon match
Roger Federer has become the oldest man to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals since the dawn of the Open Era in 1968.
Federer, who will be 40 in just a few weeks' time, eased past Italy's Lorenzo Song 7-5 6-4 6-2 to make the last-high at the All England Club for the 18th time.
18 years after he beat Pete Sampras for his first Wimbledon title and after playing just 11 matches in the last 18 months while undergoing two knee surgeries, the fan favourite reached a record 58th grand slam quarterfinal.
It's one area he still holds a substantial lead over Novak Djokovic - who reached his 50th quarterfinal by defeating Christian Garin 6-2 6-4 6-2 - and Rafael Nadal, who has 44 but isn't playing this event.
Federer also drew level with Roland Garros master Nadal for the most wins at a single grand slam (105) and stretched his lead over Connors (14) for most Wimbledon quarterfinal appearances.
“I felt after the first set I was able to control things. I couldn’t be more excited to be in the quarters,” said Federer whose match took place on the final ‘Manic Monday’, so-called because all the last-16 ties in the men’s and women’s event are played.
From next year, play will be held on the middle Sunday, which has traditionally been the tournament rest day.
“I’m happy to have played in the era that there was a ‘Middle Sunday’ but it now means more people can come to the tournament,” Federer said. “It was very special and I really enjoyed it.”
The eight-time Wimbledon champion will face either second seed Daniil Medvedev or Hubert Hurkacz, the 14th seed, for a place in the semi-finals.
Medvedev was leading Hurkacz 6-2 6-7 (2/7) 6-3 3-4 when play was halted for the night due to rain.
“It is not fair for anyone. I have been in these situations before – but these guys are young and they can recover,” said Federer.
“Unfortunately they are very, very good too, so hopefully it rains again tomorrow … I’m kidding, I’m kidding!”