Raonic tips Federer to reign again

A CONNOISSEUR of the finer things in life, multi- lingual Milos Raonic is regarded as one of the more cerebral figures in tennis.

But ask the Canadian who will win Wimbledon this year and the answer is uncharacteristically blunt: Roger Federer.

Blown off centre court by a merciless Federer, Raonic said quarter- final victories by Sam Querrey, Marin Cilic and Tomas Berdych virtually amounted to nothing with the Swiss star still in contention.

Federer, seven- time Wimbeldon champion and winner of 18 majors, towers over his three remaining rivals.

And after overcoming back and knee injuries, Federer is finding tennis a simple pursuit once more.

“This year I’m just a normal tennis player again where I can focus on tactics. I think that’s the difference,” he said. “I’m playing very well. I’m rested. I’m fresh. I’m confident, too. Then great things do happen.”

Raonic was stunned by the difference in Federer’s movement from last year’s semi- final to Wednesday’s quarter- final.

“Yeah, he’s moving well. I think the thing I was most impressed with, at least the years I’ve been on tour, he was extremely sharp mentally always in the right moments, just always on top of things,” Raonic said. “I did everything I could. I tried.”

Federer will tonight face 2010 runner- up Berdych for a place in Sunday’s final. Berdych will carry a 6- 18 win- loss tally into the match.