To suggest there may be life beyond tennis for Roger Federer seems almost like heresy, but the greatest ever grasscourt player's thoughts strayed in that direction after he set yet another Wimbledon record.
In beating Tomas Berdych in straight sets on Friday the Swiss became the first man to reach 11 finals at the All England Club - making the contention that, after knee surgery and a six-month layoff, he is back to his best and at 35 more compelling than ever. After another dose of R&R in missing the claycourt season to better prepare for his favourite tournament, he has yet to drop a set this fortnight.
Croatia's Marin Cilic stands between him and a record eighth Wimbledon title, an outcome Federer was at pains not to take for granted.
Spectators left wonderstruck
"Last year we had a brutal quarterfinal. I was down two sets to love and match points down," he said. "At some stage, things were extremely complicated and I had to get really, really lucky to win."
And while 14999 spectators were left wonderstruck, there was one man on Centre Court who could have shouted out "been there, done that, got the T-shirt".
Anyone even remotely acquainted with Ken Rosewall, however, knows that simply isn't the style of one of the great gentlemen of the game.
Instead, the 82-year-old Australian was as awestruck as anybody on Friday as he sat with his grandson in the royal box watching Federer beat Berdych to become the oldest men's singles finalist here since Rosewall in 1974.
"I'm like millions of others. I admire Roger so much," Rosewall said. "I think he's going to be a force in tennis for a few more years."
As Federer continues to defy the ravages of age with his remarkable run this year - winning an 18th major title in Melbourne in January and now on the cusp of a record eighth Wimbledon title - the comparisons with Rosewall are inevitable.
"I'd like to be compared to Roger," he said with a laugh. "I was playing some of my best tennis at 35. Roger's doing the same thing. I don't see any reason why he shouldn't continue for at least another two or three years."
Federer still has some way to go if he is to match the longevity of Rosewall's incredible career as the Australian was 39 when he lost the 1974 final to youngster Jimmy Connors.
Despite that letdown, Rosewall has retained the title of the oldest men's grand slam champion in the professional era for 45 years after lifting the 1972 Australian Open trophy at the age of 37.
"If anyone is to break it, I won't be sorry to see the record go to somebody like Roger," added Rosewall, who was in London to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Wimbledon Pro event...