Watch: Federer on Keys To Longevity

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Watch: Federer on Keys To Longevity

A love of the big stage and devoted family support are primary reasons Roger Federer cites for his sustained success.

In the aftermath of his crushing victory over Main Cilic to collect his record eighth Wimbledon championship, Federer said he's always felt most inspired playing on the most prestigious Grand Slam stages.

Watch: Federer Crushes Cilic For Eighth Wimbledon Crown

"I've always been a big-stage player," Federer said. "I always felt like I played my best on the biggest courts.

"I struggled on Court 18, to be honest, because of whatever reason it was. I just didn't feel I hit the ball as good there than on Centre Court. That was always going to be a good thing, if I played the best players, or in the bigger matches, that that would serve me well. "

Talent, health and consistency are clearly key components to the 35-year-old Swiss capturing his 19th Grand Slam championship 18 years after his Wimbledon debut.

Federer asserts self-belief, the self-discipline to train with passion and the devoted support of his family have all contributed to his longevity.

"I felt like I dreamed pretty big as a kid. I believed that maybe things were possible that maybe others thought were never going to be achievable," Federer said. "That helped me. Then I just think I trained really hard and really well and very clever over all the years. I go back to my first coach, to my coaches today, and the same thing with fitness all the way to today: I think every step of the way I always had the right people.

"Then I had a wonderful, you know, amazing people around me in my wife today, my parents, who always kept me very grounded, you know, kept me the person I am still today. Then in the game, I guess, yes, I was blessed with a lot of talent, but I also had to work for it. Talent only gets you that far really."

Photo credit: Ashley Western/CameraSport

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