The 28-year-old’s fresh attacking blueprint, however, will undergo its stiffest examination yet on Friday, as Murray bids to inflict a first ever defeat on Federer in a Wimbledon semi-final and prevent the 17-time major champion from claiming a record eighth title at the All England Club.
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“We are a team, we do this together even though I’m an individual athlete on the court and by myself, trying to win the matches”.
“That’s what he was asking me to come into the team and help out with and it will take some time because at big tournaments it’s hard to do that straight away”.
“I need to be able to overcome certain challenges, mental challenges and physical challenges, in order to win matches and to be at the top”.
While the other side of the draw has provided consistency with the pairing of Andy Murray and Roger Federer, Gasquet’s appearance has upset the odds somewhat with many predicting Rafal Nadal to make the final four.
The Brit looking good with a couple of superb crosscourt winners but Federer’s serves are unmatched as he holds serve. I didn’t really have any opportunities after that. “The pressure built and I was broken at the end of all three sets”.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic swept into his fourth Wimbledon final with a ruthlessly efficient 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 6-4 victory over Richard Gasquet on Friday.
Djokovic wrestled an immediate break to start the second set, flummoxing Gasquet – who had thrown everything at the opening exchange but to no avail. But this is where he loves to play. “It’s been the case throughout the whole event and every year that I played here”. That’s a significantly higher ratio than the next best performer, Djokovic, who has won 74% of his service points.
Djokovic’s win ensures he has reached a fifth Grand Slam final from the last six played. “To win that match in five sets against Roger on grass was definitely something that gave me a lot of confidence”. He has beaten the Briton in their last three meetings, including a humiliating 6-0 6-1 victory in their last encounter at the ATP finals in November.
“I just remember it was unbelievably thrilling”.
The next sequence of games all went with serve and at 4-4, another smooth backhand from Gasquet gets the crowd on their feet.
The Swiss carried on that serving dominance against Murray, who is considered one of the best returners the sport has to offer.
“He’s become very match tough”. I know how I can beat him, but this is a different occasion.
Federer has never lost a Wimbledon semifinal and is bidding to reach his 10th final. “In decisive moments he goes for his shots”, Djokovic said of Gasquet.
Federer won his seventh Wimbledon title, matching Pete Sampras and William Renshaw, in 2012, becoming the second-oldest man to lift the trophy on Centre Court. “That was the turning point”, Djokovic said after booking his 17th Grand Slam final berth and fourth at Wimbledon. He said he woke up with a stiff shoulder but said the ailment is not serious.
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“It’s nothing that worries me honestly”.
