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Wimbledon 2014: Roger Federer eyes record eighth title

Image: Roger Federer: Up for final test

Roger Federer is relishing the prospect of another Wimbledon final after powering past Milos Raonic in straight sets on Friday.

The Swiss ace made it through to his ninth final at SW19 with an impressive 6-4 6-4 6-4 win as he chases a record eighth title at the All England Club against no 1 seed Novak Djokovic on Sunday.

Back trouble ravaged Federer's 2013, his tame second-round exit at Wimbledon the first time he missed a grand-slam quarter-final in nine years.

That I've been so successful for so many years has been an unbelievable thrill, and that I get another chance for success here, it's just great.
Roger Federer

Now fully-fit, the no 4 seed believes he will be as fresh as he can remember heading into Sunday's final - even though he struggled to recall the last time he reached a grand slam showpiece.

"I don't even remember when my last grand slam final was, because you haven't give me much time!" he joked, before recalling claiming the 2012 Wimbledon title.

"Let's just say compared to here this time two years ago, I didn't feel as good, because I was carrying a back problem.

"I must say this year has been very solid, now this tournament has been very good also."

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A triumphant Federer admitted a record eighth Wimbledon crown would top his career achievements to date.

"That would mean a lot I must say, I'm unbelievably proud to keep walking the grounds and still be playing here," he said.

Dream

"The first was so special in 2003, it was a dream come true. That I've been so successful for so many years has been an unbelievable thrill, and that I get another chance for success here, it's just great."

Federer's stoic march through the field left him conceding he had almost produced the perfect route to the final.

He has dropped just one set - to compatriot Stan Wawrinka in the quarter-finals - and only had his serve broken once.

When asked if he had found almost the perfect fortnight so far, he said: "I'd say so.

"I've played some great tennis, under pressure at times, because I didn't play so well here last year and I expect a lot of myself here.

"The second week now I've really been able to play better, against Wawrinka and then now again against Raonic.

"I needed big concentration really. I'm extremely happy to be in another final."

Relishing his final showdown with Djokovic, Federer said: "It's always great; we always play good matches against each other.

"Novak is a great champion, he's been around for a long time now and is used to these occasions.

"He knows how to get it done, so I hope it's going to be a good match."

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