Roger Federer believes he is continuing to be rewarded for his patience when recovering from the injury suffered at Wimbledon last year as he once again made history by reaching the men’s singles final for the 11th time.

The 35-year-old, who astonished the tennis world when he returned from his six month post-Wimbledon lay-off as he gave his damaged knee time to recover to win the Australian Open in January, was too strong for old foe Tomas Berdych in what was a record 12 men’s singles semi-final appearance.

His defeat by Milos Raonic 12 months ago was his only semi-final loss and while his Czech opponent made him work for the first two sets, taking both to tie-breaks, Federer was in control throughout, running out a straight sets winner 7-6, 7-6, 6-4.

“It was a long way back,” he said of the road to recovery from last year’s disappointment.

“Last year was so difficult. I just had to stay calm and speak to my team and take the decision that we were going to sit and wait longer.

“But I’m so happy I did it because my life continues after tennis too and at this time that’s even more important than actually playing because I want to be a good dad and a good husband and a guy who can still play sport later on.”

He has proved in commanding fashion that he still does that as anyone on the planet, spending less than 10 hours on court in beating six opponents to reach a final for which he will be a strong favourite.

However he warned that Marin Cilic, his opponent who came through a tough semi-final against American Sam Querrey in four sets and close to three hours - 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 6-5 – will be a hard man to beat.

That is based on both his experience of being thrashed by the Croatian when he won his only Grand Slam title at the US Open three years ago and the more recent memory of last year’s Wimbledon quarter-final meeting.

“Last year we had a brutal quarter-final,” he recalled.

“I was down two sets to love and was match points down in the third or fourth set.

“It got really complicated and I had to get really, really lucky to win. I thought it was a great match.”

He expressed pleasure on behalf of Cilic that he is getting this opportunity.

“I know Marin really well and he’s a really lovely guy so I’m happy for him that he is in his first Wimbledon final,” said Federer.

“He smashed me at the US Open a few years ago when he played lights out. I hope he doesn’t play that well, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Federer said he was honoured that tennis royalty Ken Rosewall, the only man who has been older when he has played in a Wimbledon final at the age of 39 back in 1974, had been there to watch him play.

“It means a lot because Ken Rosewall is a wonderful man who marked history in a big way so I’m glad he was here,” said the 18 time Grand Slam champion.

And Federer made it clear that he still relishes every opportunity to play at his sport’s most famous venue.

“I feel privileged to be in another final,” he said.

“I know how much it means to so many players to be able to go out on Centre Court at Wimbledon at any given time in their careers and I’ve had the pleasure of playing there so many times.

“I'm want to say thank you for always putting me on there this year and now this time it’s another final. It is so good I almost cannot believe it is true again.”

While his work-load has been extraordinarily by the standards of Grand Slam tennis he said he would welcome having some time to digest what he has already achieved and place it in perspective ahead of seeking to extend his records further.

“I’m happy to have a day off tomorrow where I can reflect on everything I’ve done this year and at this tournament, so that I can get ready for the final and hopefully have a good one,” he said.