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Roger Federer makes history at Wimbledon in never-before-seen moment

Roger Federer (pictured) celebrates towards his player's box at Wimbledon.
Roger Federer (pictured) became the oldest player in the modern era to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final. (Getty Images)

Roger Federer has created tennis history after becoming the oldest man in Wimbledon history to reach the quarter-final in the modern era.

Federer is only five weeks away from turning 40, but showed his class to dispatch of Italy's Lorenzo Sonego 7-5, 6-4, 6-2 to make the last-eight at the All England Club for the 18th time.

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Federer said he felt comfortable in the match against the Italian as the 39-year-old grows into the tournament after a stop-start year.

"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.

In what will be his 58th Grand Slam quarter-final, eight-time Wimbledon champion Federer 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.

Federer couldn't help but compare his age to the 'younger' guys and joked he hoped for rain tomorrow to give him more time to recover.

"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!"

Roger Federer breaks records with Wimbledon victory

Federer made his first Grand Slam quarter-final at Roland Garros in 2001 and is the oldest player since 1977 to make this stage.

His 105th victory at Wimbledon also equalled Nadal's record for most wins at a single Grand Slam for men.

Federer reached his 58th Grand Slam quarter-final, themost in the Open Era for the ATP.

From next year, play will be held on the middle Sunday, which has traditionally been the tournament rest day.

Federer said he was grateful to play in the 'Manic Monday' era, which is coming to an end.

"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.

"It was very special and I really enjoyed it."

with AAP

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