Fit Federer fears for stricken rivals

Effervescent Roger Federer moved serenely into the Wimbledon semifinals a few weeks before his 36th birthday and then expressed his concern for two stricken rivals on Wednesday.

Before the Swiss enjoyed a majestic 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(4) defeat of Canada’s Milos Raonic on Center Court, defending champion Andy Murray hobbled to a five-set defeat by American Sam Querrey – his nagging hip injury finally getting the better of him.

Later Novak Djokovic, the man who beat Federer in the 2014 and 2015 finals and was his prospective semifinal opponent this year, quit with an elbow injury against Czech Tomas Berdych.

Federer, who skipped the French Open this year to give his body time to recover from his incredible exploits in the first half of the season which he began by winning an 18th major at the Australian Open, said he hoped Murray would not live to regret battling through the pain barrier.

“You wish them well right away as a rival to them and a friend,” Federer, who is now favorite to claim a record eighth Wimbledon title, five years after his last one, said.

Federer said he had learned to manage his body – citing last year’s French Open when he arrived at Roland Garros struggling with knee and back injuries and decided to pull out of the tournament before it began.

It ended a run of 65 consecutive Grand Slam appearances.

“I got a little sad, I must admit, because I felt like it was a great record for me to keep going. But health is so much more important than trying to hang onto some sort of a record.”

Murray and Djokovic have both turned 30 and while these days that no longer signals a downturn, Federer had some sage advice.

“Once you hit 30, you’ve got to look back and think: How much tennis have I played? How much rest did I give my body over the years? How much training have I done? Did I do enough? Did I overdo it or not enough?” he said.

“Sometimes maybe the body and the mind do need a rest.”

Of his own physical condition there is no doubt, though.

“I’m playing very well. I’m rested. I’m fresh. I’m confident too. Then great things do happen.” (Reuters)