Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka can justify their status as Wimbledon’s big four by making the semi-finals on Wednesday. He would go on to fire 12 winners in the second set to take a commanding two sets-to-love lead.
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The seven-time champion, who today cruised past No 20 seed Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets, has not had his serve broken since the semi-finals in Halle last month. In less than 2 hours, Simon troubled Berdych from the get-go and stunned the tall Czech 6-3, 6-3, 6-2, setting up a showdown against Roger Federer in the quarterfinals. Live coverage of the game is available on BBC One and BBC Two.
The gulf in experience was enormous: Federer was looking for his 45th quarter-final grand slam appearance, Bautista Agut his first.
The 33-year-old Swiss said: “For him it’s important for him to be comfortable in the team, in the beginning getting to know everyone, my wife, my physio, my agent”. “I was hoping to get out of the blocks early and get going”. However, this is Wimbledon, the greatest stage of tennis, and there’s a good chance Gilles fold under the pressure. Becker works with Djokovic, and Ivanisevic works with the defending champion’s opponent, No. 9 Marin Cilic.
“I think we both like to look back at that summer”, said Federer.
Wawrinka is bidding to become just the fifth man to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year.
Two superb backhand volleys at the net helped him to his first break of serve.
– – On Court 1, we begin with Gilles Simon against Roger Federer. I think those fears are somewhat gone, even though every time he steps into the house, I am like I can’t believe it quite still, so it’s very cool. “So that streak is maybe coming to an end”.
The Swiss star also reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals a year ago, but he has never been further. Their second match came in Shanghai, Federer winning that one 6-4, 6-2.
The ex- world number one won the opening two sets, only to lose the third set in a tiebreaker. “So, I was just so happy that it lasted all the match”. This will be the first time they’ve played on grass. “So if that is the case, and I won’t bank on that being the case, but if that is the case, I’ll try to use that to my advantage”. The No. 2 seed won 100% of points on his first serve in the third set and hit 16 winners.
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Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts to breaking serve during his match against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, July 6, 2015. French 21st seed Richard Gasquet defeated Kyrgios 7-5, 6-1, 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (8/6) in a controversial clash to avenge a second round loss to the temperamental Australian in 2014.
