Federer defeats Nadal, will face Djokovic in final
WIMBLEDON, England _ Roger Federer defeated Rafael Nadal in a Wimbledon men’s semifinal Friday to reach his 12th final at this storied event.
In a match marked by long rallies from the baseline, Federer won 7-6 (3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, pumping his arms triumphantly as Nadal’s final shot sailed long.
“I’m exhausted,” Federer said. “It was tough at the end. Rafa played unbelievable shots to stay in the match .... Always with Rafa it’s very special.
“I had spells where I was serving really well, and the biggest points in the match went my way.”
Although Federer-nadal is one of the greatest rivalries in sports, the two had not played each other at Wimbledon in 11 years, since their epic final in 2008, which many people believe is the greatest match in the history of the sport.
Federer will play Sunday against top-seeded Novak Djokovic, a fivetime Wimbledon winner who defeated Roberto Bautista Agut to advance.
Federer, who improved to 12-1 in Wimbledon semifinals, has achieved his 31st Grand Slam final and has extended his lead atop the all-time list for most finals appearances in men’s singles for a Grand Slam tournament.
Federer has attained his most Grand Slam success at Wimbledon in terms of titles won (eight), matches won (101) and finals reached (13).
He’s bidding to become the second player in history to win nine singles titles. Martina Navratilova is the only person to have achieved that milestone, winning nine singles titles between 1976 and 1986.