London: Swiss legend Roger Federer rallied from a set down to defeat Kei Nishikori 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 and set up a showdown in the Wimbledon semifinals against arch-rival Rafael Nadal, a contest that will be their first at the Cathedral of Tennis since the epic 2008 men’s singles final.
Nadal also struggled in the early going of his quarterfinal match on Wednesday against American Sam Querrey before finding a higher gear to win 7-5, 6-2, 6-2, reports Efe news. With his 100th match victory at the Wimbledon, the most he has recorded at any of the four Grand Slam tournaments, 37-year-old Federer set up the dream contest once more against Nadal that fans have been waiting for ever since the draw was unveiled.Ahead of that contest, Federer told the media he expected a different match than the ones they played at Wimbledon more than a decade ago. Last month the two met in another epic clash at the Roland Garros, where the Spaniard defeated the Swiss veteran.
“(He has) improved so much over the years on this surface. He’s playing also very different than he used to. We haven’t played each other in a long, long time on this surface. He’s serving way different. I remember back in the day how he used to serve,” the Swiss said. (IANS)
