Father time can slow Roger Federer but it won't stop the enduring champion from continuing his pursuit for grand slam title No.18 at the Australian Open.
Marin Cilic's serving masterclass ended the 33-year-old's quest to become the oldest US Open champion since Ken Rosewall in 1970 in what was Federer's record 60th consecutive grand slam appearance.
Down but not out, the world No.3 and father of four immediately set his sights on a fifth crown a Melbourne Park in January after his 6-3 6-4 6-4 semi-final defeat at Flushing Meadows.
Another grand slam singles title to match Jack Nicklaus's magical 18 golf majors has eluded the Swiss ace since he won Wimbledon for a record seventh time in 2012.
Federer, though, says the hunger remains, even if he's not hung up these days on adding to his unrivalled grand slam haul as he juggles family commitments with a wife and two sets of twins.
"It's not to my life. I don't need it to be more happy or anything," Federer said of his bid for an 18th slam.
"But the moment itself, it would mean a lot. I keep working hard to win titles on the tour, not just No.18.
"I was very happy to get to No.80 the other week, so that was huge for me.
"I'll give it a go again in Australia; hope to be healthy there. I enjoy playing there. It's been one of my most consistent slams.
"I hope to get another chance at it. I can't do more than try really hard, which I'm doing."
Federer has an ally in his US Open conqueror.
"I believe he can win a couple more," Cilic said.
"We never can rule out Roger out of grand slams. He's extremely consistent at these big events.
"He showed in these last few months that he's playing amazing tennis. From grasscourt season, he lost to Novak in an extremely tough, tough match in Wimbledon (final) and here again made it to the semi-finals.
"It's going to open up again for sure for him sooner or later, I believe."
Federer entered the US Open with a tour-best 49 wins in 2014 and his hopes of snaring a sixth trophy in New York - but first since 2008 - soared when Kei Nishikori shocked world No.1 Novak Djokovic 6-4 1-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 in Saturday's first semi-final.
But the second seed was sent spinning out barely two hours later.
"It's fairly simple: I think Marin played great," Federer said.
"I'm just really disappointed after how well I have played this season, especially here also at the tournament.
"I really felt like I could win this tournament."
With no time to mope, Federer will quickly regroup and join reigning Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka on Davis Cup duty with Switzerland hosting Italy in the semi-finals in Geneva from Friday.
A Davis Cup trophy remains the one glaring omission on Federer's CV.
"So unfortunately it wasn't my day today, but in tennis there is so many highlights thankfully, so I have something to do next Friday already again," he said.
"I'll be very preoccupied with that starting right now. And after that I'm going to hopefully play a good end to the season."
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