World number 3 and number 2 seed Roger Federer have his swift revenge over World number 2 and 3rd seed, his greatest rival Rafael Nadal in the semifinal clash of the ongoing Wimbledon in what has to turn out to be arguably the greatest rivalry in men singles tennis. Nadal had defeated Federer in last month Roland Garros in an equally entertaining semifinal clash en route to the Spaniard's 12th French Open title, however, the king of grass Federer was simply at his best on the night winning 7(7)-(3)6, 1-6, 6-3 & 6-4.
Nadal may be the king of clay but there is a reason Federer had played in 11 singles finals and 8 titles at the All England Club and the Swiss maestro proved just how dominant he is at Wimbledon at the centre court on Friday.
Despite 39 previous meetings between these 2 prior to yesterday's clash, they had only met at the All England Club 3 times(2006, 2007 & 2008), with Federer edging those meetings with 2 wins to 1, however, their last meeting at Wimbledon was some 11 years ago in a classic 2008 clash when Nadal recorded his only victory over Federer in 5 sets in a thrilling 4hrs 48min.
The clash of these Titans sure lived to its hype, with Federer showed a tactical masterclass over Nadal who was out of sort and had to answer to Federer's aggressive return of his serves and tremendous long rallies as Federer came out top in just a couple of minutes over 3 hours on the Center Court. It was end-to-end in the 1st set with Federer winning 27 of his 34 service points yet the set was decided with a tiebreaker 7(7)-(3)6 in favour of the Swiss in 52-battling minutes. Federer dropped his guard in the 2nd set as Nadal took charge, converting 17 of his 23 service points racing to level matters with a crushing 6-1 winner. However, the Swiss maestro showed character in the 3rd set as he broke Nadal's serve at 3-1 and went on to take the set 6-3 and lead 2 sets to 1. Federer picked up from where he left the 3rd set to break Nadal early in the set and served for a match point at the 5-3 lead but missed it. Further 3 match points were missed by Federer as Nadal fought to save the set but Federer wrapped up the set 6-4 at the 5th time of asking to earn his 12th Wimbledon final.
The 37-year-old Swiss master is well on course for his 9th title at Wimbledon, his 21st overall quest and will now face another familiar foe in the shape of World number 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic in Sunday's blockbuster All England Club Final, the Serbian and 4-time Wimbledon champion defeated Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 & 6-2 in the other semifinal clash earlier on Friday. It will be the 4th meeting between Djokovic and Federer at the All England Club come Sunday with Djokovic emerging victorious back-to-back in the 2014 and 2015 finals.
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