WIMBLEDON: Roger Federer is through to his 12th Wimbledon final after downing Spanish nemesis Rafael Nadal 7-6(4), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, in their semi-final showdown on Friday.
11 years have passed since the two giants of the sport last clashed on the grass. On that occasion, it was Nadal who prevailed in the Wimbledon final after coming through a five-set marathon. This time around it was Federer who came out on top during the roller-coaster encounter. Blasting 14 aces and 51 winners past the world No.2. Crucially saving six out of the eight break points he faced.
“I’m exhausted. It was tough at the end, Rafa played some unbelievable shots to stay in the match and I thought the match was played at a high level.” Federer told BBC TV.
“I enjoyed it, the crowd was amazing. The battles with Rafa are always special.”
It was a serving masterclass from both players that kick-off their 40th meeting on the tour. During the opening 12 games of the match, the only break point opportunity to occur was for Federer during the eighth game. However, he failed to convert after Nadal prevailed during a gut-busting 22-shot exchange between the two.
It would be a tiebreak that would separate the two former world No.1 players. After trading mini-breaks, it would be Federer who would draw first blood. A Federer forehand winner moved him to a 4-3 lead as he went on told hold serve and earn two set points. He prevailed on his first with the help of another trusted forehand winner being fired down the line.
In their 13 previous meetings at grand slam level, only twice has the match been won by the player who dropped the opener. On both of those occasions, it was Nadal (French open 2006 and Australian Open 2012). Gunning for the hat-trick, the world No.2 bounced back emphatically by taking the second 6-1. Making it the most one-sided set he has ever achieved against the Swiss maestro on a surface other than clay.
After the beatdown, it was the turn of the 20-time grand slam champion to inflict damage. Spurred on by an animated crowd, it was a forehand volley that revived Federer’s match hopes as he broke for a 3-1 lead in the third. Triggering a huge cheer around Center Court. Gaining in momentum, the second seed maneuvered himself to the two-set-to-one lead. Sealing it with a love service game that concluded with a Nadal forehand slamming into the net.
As the Nadal unforced error count and frustration rose, Federer edged closer and closer to the finish line. Breaking halfway through the fourth set, the 37-year-old continued to tame the threat that he faced. Dampening the mood surrounding Nadal’s camp in the crowd watching. Admirably the fiery Spaniard continued to fight like a warrior as he emphatically saved a quartet of match points. Still, it would not be enough to deny Federer, who clinched victory after three hours with the help of a backhand from his arch-rival drifting beyond the baseline.
“I had spells where I was serving really well and I think on the biggest points in the match went my way.” Federer reflected on his latest performance.
Awaiting the Swiss player in the final will be world No.1 Novak Djokovic, who defeated Roberto Bautista Agut in four sets. He currently trails their head-to-head 22-25.
“He played great against Bautista Agut, who I thought played a phenomenal tournament.” Said Federer. “He’s the defending champion and has shown why this week. He has been rock solid from start to finish. I hope I can push him to the brink and hopefully beat him. But it is not going to be easy.”
Federer is the third oldest man in the Open Era to reach a grand slam final at the age of 37 years and 340 days.