I knew my destiny was to be in the winner's circle. There were times along the way where I didn't make it there. But I felt my destiny was definitely to win big titles.

I think this match could have gone one way or another. Finally it went her side. I think it was very good tennis, either one could win. I’m pleased with the way I played and I kept fighting.

People have been writing me off. I knew I could do it. I just had to prove it to myself.

I was determined to win today. I was getting fed up with being the runner-up.

It was all very emotional, but you don’t dwell on it because, if you do, you can’t play.

It’s quite unreal to be two match points down and come back – and a bit strange to play the tie-break at 12-all. Roger said he hopes it gives other people hope they can do this at 37. I’m one of them. It’s extra special with my son in the crowd, and my family too.

It is a dream to play on this court, my favourite tournament, but to win - I never imagined.

Somehow I couldn’t keep my mind right there on the match. I started to think about holding that trophy again. If I win the game at 3-1, he’s finished. But I couldn’t keep my concentration.

That was the toughest moment in my tennis career. If he had broken me in the first game of the fifth set I would have lost, but I won from love-30 and then I played just unbelievably well.

When I came here, nobody even talked about me. Now I'm holding this trophy. This was my dream all my life.