Federer had pretty much the perfect day at the All England Club. He himself won in straight sets, Andy Murray crashed out and Novak Djokovic had to retire. He is now the only one left of the big four – not that he was in the mood to publicly celebrate his rivals’ troubles. Federer told BBC Sport: “I’m very happy that my body kept me going all these years. I hope that Novak’s OK with his injury.”Rafa fought to the very end the other day and Andy also hasn’t been looking very good. I hope he and Novak will recover in time for the American summer but there are other good stories in the tournament.
“I predicted Marin Cilic could go very far this week and maybe it’s nice to see different guys in the finals.”Federer, meanwhile, is on course for a record eighth Wimbledon title after putting in a vintage showing to beat Raonic 6-4 6-2 7-6. The 35-year-old was knocked out by Raonic in a five-set thriller last year but this was never going the distance. He will play Tomas Berdych in Friday’s semi-final.
It is even more remarkable for the number of people saying it on the second Wednesday of the Championships. But it is difficult to get away from the fact that Federer is now a huge favourite to take the title. Day 9 of action at the All England Club could hardly have gone better for the champion elect. After Gilles Muller had taken out Rafael Nadal on Monday night, his two main rivals in Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray now lie by the way side, elbow and hip injuries ultimately playing a major role in their respective demises.
Federer is now the only Wimbledon champion remaining in the men’s singles draw and few will bet against him remaining so come Sunday night. His lifting the trophy will mark the complete regeneration of the legendary Swiss – like Gandalf the Grey he has returned as Federer the White, more powerful and more wise than ever before.
Almost exactly a year ago, he was left defeated and broken by Milos Raonic in the semi-finals of Wimbledon. The big-serving Canadian had proved too much for Federer, battling as we now know major knee and back injuries. He revealed earlier this week that the loss had played on his mind in the early days of his rehabilitation. “[I had] regrets maybe having lost the semis afterwards, and then the layoff,” Federer said. “Maybe I would have been in the finals, could have done well there, too. Who knows. But it was too much for the body. “Milos was better.”
