Tim Henman sensed Roger Federer was embarrassed after losing an epic Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic.
The 37-year-old Swiss legend rolled back the years, belying his age to push the world No.1 to the limit in a match that lasted a fraction under five hours.
A contest that will live long in the memory was eventually settled in a fifth set tie break, a Wimbledon first, after the scores were locked at 12-12.
Earlier, Federer had squandered two match points when serving for the title and Henman fears the defeat will leave lasting scars.
‘There’s no doubt Roger Federer will be massively disappointed,’ he told the BBC.
‘In terms of disappointments in his career this will be right up there. To have two match points and against one of his biggest rivals on his favourite court – it will hurt.
‘I know he’s good at controlling his emotions, but this will sting for a long, long time.
‘In his post-match interview, I think that there was almost a sense of embarrassment from Roger, having had those two match points and failed to convert them.
‘I think that the tennis world will reflect on this match for a long time to come.
‘I am still in a slight daze on Roger Federer’s behalf. Federer played all the tennis in the first four sets, he could have won all of them.
‘And to then have two Championship points on his own serve, which is one of the most efficient. He tried to be bold on the second, but Novak Djokovic came up with the pass.’
