Was this Roger Federer's last chance?

"Novak Djokovic wins 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 5-7, 6-4" - The words Federer fans all over were dreading to hear.

It was a truly thrilling encounter at the All England Club, described already as one of the true classics. Novak Djokovic played an outstanding match, proving what we already knew about the Serb, he's quick, agile and extremely athletic. His fantastic all-round play and brilliant defensive game eventually presented him with the Wimbledon crown. However, it was what Federer produced which has caught so much of the attention.

The question we've heard so many times though, "is this the end for Roger?", "was this his last chance?", "is there any way back for him?"

Roger Federer has 17 grand slam titles to his name, and legendary status among tennis fans. Appreciated and loathed in all four corners of the earth. He's been called the greatest tennis player of all time, and rightly so. But at the age of 32, not many spectators expected what we saw from him,, Federer put up a real fight, it wasn't just that though, he really threatened Djokovic, pushing him all the way. Djokovic had to dig deep and find his very best tennis in order to claim the title and that really speaks volumes of the sheer brilliance Federer managed to produce.

His serve was phenomenal from the off, conjuring up 29 aces. His net play was strong too, often winning points with vollies and forcing Djokovic to play some sublime passing shots in order to evade him. Naturally, the longer rallies often sided with Djokovic. But Federer went toe-to-toe with him right up until the very end. 

The fourth set was a stand-out moment for Roger. Djokovic earned the opportunity to serve for the Championship. This was the moment we expected Federer to finally fall, to just accept defeat after four long sets. Not a chance. Federer came out fighting, straight onto the offensive. Confident, agressive and full-of-life in his play. He went on to win four matches in a row and in doing so, taking this dramatic encounter to a fifth set.

OK, so Federer lost the final set, and effectively the match and the title. He also passed up the opportunity to become the first man to win Wimbledon a record eight times. But all was not lost here. Djokovic himself admitting after that he had to be at his very best to beat Federer, and that he had to really pushed himself to finally lift the trophy. But it was the fitness and fatigue of Federer which was simply remarkable. Djokovic was forced to call the trainer twice, Federer just waited patiently in his chair, just picking his moments. And when he attacked, boy, he attacked.

So for those who are asking "is this the end?" Again, not a chance. Federer will be back. He'll back  with the same impeccable attitude, the same resilience and the same majestic play. Age is literally just a number for Federer as he continues to tear up the rulebook. This man will stop at nothing to win another Grand Slam, and don't be surprised if he's back in a final very, very soon.

In fact, Roger said it himself today at SW19 - "See you next year."

He's not finished yet. Not a chance.