Stefan Edberg believes Roger Federer can still claim a record eighth Wimbledon title despite his second consecutive defeat in the All England Club final.
Federer became the oldest man to reach a Wimbledon final since 1974 on Sunday, but lost London's showpiece battle to Novak Djokovic for the second year in succession.
Less than a month away from turning 34, the 17-time grand slam winner's chances to seal the outright All England Club record are clearly waning.
Swedish super-coach Edberg won Wimbledon twice among his five major titles, and remains adamant Federer can still add to his grand slam haul.
"I still believe he can do it, obviously it is not going to be easy but if he keeps himself in shape and is determined, and has the motivation to work hard, he is still one of the best grass court players out there," said Edberg.
"Once he comes to a final you always feel he has a chance but he has played Novak two years in a row now; he is not the easiest guy."
Federer rolled back the years in a vintage Wimbledon performance, holding serve for a record 116 games across performances in London and Halle to underline his fine form.
The Basle native dismissed Britain's Andy Murray in straight sets in another bravura service display in the semi-finals, raising hope he could swipe that elusive record Wimbledon title.
Top seed and defending champion Djokovic had other ideas, though, prevailing 7-6 (7/1) 6-7 (10/12) 6-4 6-3 to seal his ninth grand slam crown.
Federer still shares the Wimbledon titles record with American Pete Sampras then - but Edberg remains confident the evergreen Swiss can win again in London, and also at the world's other major tournaments.
"Well Roger playing at his best I believe within myself if he performs at his very best he can still win here, and at the US Open," said Edberg.
"The French Open is going to be the toughest one, we all know that, but at his best he's a threat, so that's what he keeps playing for.
"Roger has done a great job throughout the year.
"He has been aiming to do well at Wimbledon and he has come very close again.
"If you summarise the final, it was a pretty damn good match I thought.
"The level was very high and in the end it was very little that made the difference.
"Looking back on the match, it would obviously have helped tremendously to get the third set; he had some chances.
"Somehow he won the second set which put him a little bit in the driving seat and having that break point at the beginning of the third, that was a little bit of a chance to get ahead in the match.
"But as he lost the break in the third set, it was tough to come back from there."
Edberg hailed Federer's imperious victory over Murray in Wimbledon's semi-finals as his best work yet under the Swede's tutelage, raising hopes he can still claim future glories despite advancing years.
"That's the best I've seen him play pretty much," said Edberg, of Federer's victory over Murray.
"And in the ATP World Tour Finals he played some excellent tennis as well, which he's done over the last year.
"But that's as good as it gets pretty much."
Source: PA
