Federer: Back injury nearly forced me to quit

Roger Federer wept tears of joy on Wimbledon's Centre Court yesterday after clinching the men's singles title. The 21-year-old Swiss swept away the challenge of Australian Mark Philippoussis to win 7-6, 6-2, 7-6 but later revealed how close he had come to pulling out of the tournament with a back injury.

Federer picked up the problem before his fourth-round win over Feliciano Lopez and said that he was only saved by the treatment of ATP trainer Doug Spreen on the side of Court Two.

Federer said: 'My back problem was a real shock. I thought that I would have to throw in the towel at one point. 'I was really in big pain. I was struggling to serve and return. I couldn't even really sit down because I was hurting so much.

'Then I called the trainer after two games and he gave me painkillers and a massage on my back with warm cream. I told myself "If this continues for a few more games and I realise that this guy is just kicking my ass, it's not worth playing". But somehow I stayed in the match and it got a little better.'

The No.4 seed broke down as he was interviewed by the BBC's Sue Barker after he was presented with his first Grand Slam trophy. 'This is an absolute dream for me,' said Federer.

'I joked when I was a boy that I would win this one day and now I have it. I never thought it possible. These last two matches are the best I have played in my career and I would like to thank everyone who came from Switzerland to watch me.'