By Erik Gudris | Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Roger Federer, playing in his 100th match at Wimbledon, defeated Milos Raonic to reach his 12th career semifinal at the event.
Photo Credit: Ashley Western/Camera Sport
Roger Federer turned the tables on the man who defeated him at last year’s Wimbledon to find himself the overwhelming favorite now to win the 2017 title.
Wimbledon: Djokovic Retires to Berdych
Federer put in a near-perfect straight sets 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(4) win in his quarterfinal against No. 6 seed Milos Raonic to reach his 12th Wimbledon semifinal. At stake now - a chance to reach the final where he could win his eighth Wimbledon title.
“Can’t believe it a hundred matches is a lot,” Federer said afterwards to the BBC. “Very happy my body has kept me going all these years. It was a perfect setting. So so happy to be in another semi.”
Federer rose to the occasion on a day that saw both defending champion Andy Murray lose to Sam Querrey while Novak Djokovic retired due to an arm injury against Tomas Berdych. Those losses opened up the draw even more for the 35-year-old veteran.
“I hope that Novak is ok with his injury. Rafa fought till the very end. Murray wasn’t looking good with his injury. But I hope they recover soon for the American summer. “It’s nice to see different guys, maybe. But I’m happy that my dream run continues and we’ll see what happens next.“
Raonic entered the match having beaten Federer in last year’s semifinal. But Raonic couldn’t summon the same performance this time against the third-seeded Federer.
Federer came out sharp early as he handled Raonic’s big serve with ease. Raonic tried to force the issue with serve and volley, but Federer was ready for that as well. Federer often aimed his passing shots at Raonic’s body or low at his feet to keep the tall Canadian off-balance.
Federer broke Raonic midway in the first set for a 3-2 lead. He then struck his fifth ace a few games later to close out the set 6-4.
Federer enjoyed an early service break in the opening game of the second set. From there, Federer raced ahead to a two sets to love lead in just under an hour.
Raonic took a bathroom break before the start of the third set. That allowed Raonic time to reset his game and he started the third set serving better and finally earning his first break point chance of the match. Federer fought that off with a good serve and eventually held with an ace for 1-all.
Raonic tested Federer again later on serve at 4-3. Raonic cames up with several running winners to force break point again. But Federer fought off three more break points with several volley winners of his own to hold for 4-all.
Eventually a tiebreak was needed to decide the set. Though the Centre Court crowd chanted “Roger!”, it didn’t deter Raonic who opened up a 3-0 lead.
Federer responded with several forehand winners as well once again finishing things off up at net. Getting back on level terms, Federer then finally mesmerized the crowd with this forehand winner that curled in onto the line - giving him a 5-3 lead.
From there, Federer wasted no time finishing off the match on his terms 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(4).
Federer next faces Tomas Berdych in the semfinals.