A relieved Roger Federer said is felt really good to come back from two sets down and live to fight another day in his favorite Grand Slam.
Federer was on the brink against Frenchman Julien Benneteau in the third round of Wimbledon, eventually coming through 4-6, 6-7, 6-2, 7-6, 6-1.
"It's always one of the best feelings, coming back from two sets down in a Grand Slam and particularly here in Wimbledon, where I have done it before.
"With the roof closed, it made the atmosphere really special out there. I really thought the crowd got into it and for the players it is obviously great to be part of such a match and when you come through it with a win, it is a better feeling, because your spirits are lifted up and you're still in the tournament and you will get another chance.
Federer visibly struggled in the first two sets and it looked like at one point, Benneteau would walk away with a straight-set victory and pull off a second big upset in as many days after Rafael Nadal's loss to Lukas Rosol on Thursday. The 16-time Grand Slam winner, however, brought all his experience into play, to take the final three sets.
"I started to play better and better as the match went on. That is kind of what I expected of myself, I used my experience, but also experience alone is not going to win you the match. I had to push deep and play hard and I am very happy with how it went in the end."
Federer had nothing but kind words to say about his French opponent. "We have spent a lot of time on tour together; we are about the same age. We respect each other a lot. We realised it was a magical moment for both of us, for the rest of our lives and we appreciate that and he hoped that I would win the tournament now and wished me well.
"I congratulated him for an awesome performance. It was a tough loss for him, he is a great guy and I felt a bit for him at the end."
Federer admitted the court plays different with the roof closed. "It does play different indoors. Obviously that's a bit of getting used to. Indoor grass is not something we're quite familiar with.
"You just don't have the elements. You just don't have the sun setting, which can be tricky at times.
"From the one end it's easier; from the other end it's tough. You have the wind swirling. When I was warming up I was thinking that's going to be a big factor for the players out on Centre Court if they're going to leave the roof open or not.
"Don't know if it would've favoured me or not even more so, but it changes everything. So then does it play slower indoors? I would think so."
