Wimbledon 2011: Federer stays hopeful of Grand Slam win

Roger Federer believes he can still be a Grand Slam contender despite his Wimbledon quarter-final loss to Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

The six-time champion led by two sets to love before losing 3-6 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 6-4 6-4.

But Federer, who turns 30 in August, remains confident he can add to his Grand Slam total of 16.

"I think I definitely can, yes. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't the case," he insisted.

"I think I'm playing well. I thought my game was plenty good enough this year to win the tournament. Unfortunately there's only one that can win it, and the rest go home empty-handed."

It was a second successive quarter-final loss at Wimbledon for the Swiss former world number one, Tomas Berdych the man to beat him last year, and Federer's last Grand Slam triumph remains the 2010 Australian Open.

Wednesday's defeat was the first time Federer had lost in a Grand Slam from being two sets up and the first time he had blown a two-set lead in any tournament since losing in the 2005 Masters Cup in Shanghai against David Nalbandian.

Despite finishing the match with only 11 unforced errors, half as many as Tsonga, Federer could not get close to breaking the Frenchman's serve when he needed it.

Tsonga, who will face second seed Novak Djokovic in the last four, was thrilled with his victory.

"It was amazing today. I played unbelievable," said the world number 19. "To come from two sets down - that's crazy.

"He is the biggest champion in my sport. He's achieved lots of things and he's the best player in the world. I'm just so happy to win against him, especially on grass because it's maybe his favourite surface.

"I'm so happy. I'll celebrate with my friends and family. Now I'm here in the semi-finals and I just can't believe it."

Despite the loss, Federer refused to be downcast as he once failed to close in on Pete Sampras's record of seven Wimbledon titles.

"I'm healthy. Even though I took a tough loss today, I don't feel discouraged in any way," he added. "I'll work harder than ever and hopefully come back extremely strong for Davis Cup next week and then the American summer again.

"I played good. It wasn't a shocker second-round loss in straight sets, some stupid match I played. It was a great match from both sides.

"To talk bad about this match would be unfortunate. I really did play well, and I also thought Jo played an amazing match, as good as I've seen him play for such a long period of time.

"I love equalling any record Sampras has made but it's not the driving force behind my motivation. Look, I love Pete. It's always nice doing stuff that he did. But at the end of the day I'm trying to win a tournament."

"Is it easy for anybody at the moment? I don't think so," he added, as he reflected on the strength of the men's game. "I think it's pretty tough for anybody right now to win Grand Slams."