‘Epic Battle Of The Titans!!!!’ Celebrities React To Federer-Nadal XL
Jul132019
Hugh Jackman, Kobe Bryant among those talking about #Fedal40
Tennis fans worldwide were riveted by the latest installment of the storied Roger Federer – Rafael Nadal rivalry, with the Swiss and Spaniard facing off at Wimbledon for the first time since their epic 2008 final.
David Beckham, Hugh Grant, Jude Law, Leona Lewis, Damian Lewis and Bear Grylls were among those in attendance for the semi-final match at the All England Club, while other celebrities, sports stars and tennis players reacted to the action via social media. #Fedal40 lived up to the hype, according to the tweets sent by the likes of actor Hugh Jackman, Kobe Bryant and more.
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Federer prevailed against Nadal 7-6(3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in just over three hours, setting up a final rematch with World No. 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic.
Here’s a look at some of the best tweets about Federer-Nadal XL:
“Come on Rog!” Thank you @wimbledon for the incredible day in the Royal Box – the greatest of honours – and what a moment to watch @rogerfederer win one of the most iconic tennis matches of our time against the great fighter and sportsman @rafaelnadal . … https://t.co/EGrfsF9rVj pic.twitter.com/VCkzov3l2C
My great friend & GOAT @rogerfederer – the undisputed Master of Wimbledon – produced one of his greatest performances there today. Rafa also played some unbelievable tennis and it takes two to produce a classic. Roger can go all the way, it will be a final for the ages.
Congratulations to @rogerfederer, who is headed to his 31st Grand Slam final! And to @DjokerNole, who is headed to his 6th #Wimbledon final! Should be thrilling to watch! ?
Thanks @rafaelnadal & @rogerfederer for a fenomenal match!!! More than a great game! You’ve teached a fantastic lesson of effort, commitment and respect beyond courts: a life learning! An epic match at #wimbledon!!! ???????????? pic.twitter.com/l0v6qV0s8k
Such a joy to watch @rogerfederer and @RafaelNadal compete. These guys always produce phenomenal tennis. #Federer too good today. #Nadal might be disappointed with his performance but he didn’t loose that match. Roger won it. #Wimbledon
Federer On Nadal Wimbledon Clash: ‘It Lived Up To The Hype’
Jul122019
Swiss takes on Djokovic in Sunday final
Forty matches later, Roger Federer is as excited as ever to see Rafael Nadal on the other side of the net.
The eight-time champion beat his longtime rival on Friday at Wimbledon to reach his 12th final at The All England Club, improving to 16-24 in their FedEx ATP Head2Head rivalry. Tickets for the match started at £7,000 on StubHub and a star-studded Royal Box included David Beckham, Jude Law and Leona Lewis. Even casual tennis fans had their eyes glued to Centre Court for the latest installment of one of the most iconic rivalries in sports, which saw Federer defeat Nadal for the sixth time in their past seven matches.
“It’s always very, very cool to play against Rafa here, especially not playing here in so long,” said Federer. “It lived up to the hype. Especially coming out of the gates, we were both playing very well. Then the climax at the end with the crazy last game, some tough rallies there. It had everything at the end, which was great. I’m just relieved it’s all over at this point.
“But it’s definitely going to go down as one of my favourite matches to look back on because it’s Rafa, it’s at Wimbledon, the crowds were into it, great weather. I felt like I also played good throughout the four sets. I can be very happy.”
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The second seed is now a staggering 101-12 at The All England Club as gears up to face World No. 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic on Sunday. There will be no secrets when they face off. Federer and Djokovic’s epic rivalry is the second-longest of the Open Era at 47 matches (Djokovic leads 25-22), trailing only Djokovic-Nadal (54).
The Serbian has won five of their past six matches, including their most recent battle at last year’s Rolex Paris Masters that was named ATPTour.com’s “Best Match of 2018”. Djokovic leads their Wimbledon series 2-1, having prevailed in their past two grass-court battles in the 2014 and 2015 finals.
Read More: Roger & Novak: Every Match Ever Played
But Federer won’t be studying film or creating a different strategy for Sunday’s match. Neither will Djokovic. Having played each other in all but one season since 2006, they know what it takes to defeat the other and it will simply come down to execution. Federer’s familiarity with Djokovic also allows for a more relaxed approach in preparing.
“I think the moment you’ve played somebody more than 15 times, there’s not that much more left out there. You know where the players go when it really matters,” said Federer. “It comes down to who’s better on the day, who’s in a better mental place, who’s got more energy left, who’s tougher when it really comes to the crunch. In tennis, there’s always somebody who’s going to be a little bit better because there are no draws in our sport. It’s quite brutal sometimes.
“I don’t think there’s much I need to do in terms of practice. This is like school: You’re not going to read lots of books on the day of the test. You don’t have the time. It’s quite clear the work was done way before. I think that’s why I was able to produce a good result today. It’s been a rock solid year for me. Stars are aligned right now. From that standpoint, I can go into that match very confident.”
Given Federer’s age (37) and longevity (21 years) on the ATP Tour, it’s natural for fans to wonder when his last Grand Slam final will be. He played his first Wimbledon in 1999 and is the only player from that year’s draw to still be active in singles. Even Federer has admitted he didn’t expect to still be contending for Grand Slam titles at this stage of his career.
But with 20 major titles under his belt, he won’t be content with a runner-up finish. Federer is confident he has the game to take out Djokovic and lift a ninth Wimbledon title.
Read More: Mission Impossible? Slowing Down The Big 3 At SW19
“I know it’s not over yet. There’s no point to start partying tonight or getting too emotional, too happy about it, even though I am extremely happy,” said Federer. “If it was the end of the tournament, it would be very different right now. I’d be speaking very different, feeling very different.
“There is, unfortunately or fortunately, one more match. It’s great on many levels. But I’ve got to put my head down and stay focused.”
Coverage: Live across BBC TV, radio and online with extensive coverage on BBC iPlayer, Red Button, Connected TVs and mobile app. Full details
Roger Federer says the “stars are aligned” after beating rival Rafael Nadal to reach the Wimbledon final.
The Swiss, chasing a ninth Wimbledon crown and 21st Grand Slam title, will face world number one Novak Djokovic after a 7-6 (7-3) 1-6 6-3 6-4 win.
He said his performance against Nadal in a match that “lived up to the hype” gave him confidence for the final.
“This is like a school: the day of the test you’re not going to read many books that day,” the 37-year-old said.
“I don’t think there’s much I need to do in terms of practice.
“It’s quite clear the work was done way before. I think that’s why I was able to produce a good result today. It’s been a rock solid year of mine, I won in Halle [for a record 10th time last month], the stars are aligned right now.
“From that standpoint I can go into that match very confident.”
Federer beats Nadal in Wimbledon thriller
Djokovic battles into Wimbledon final
‘It was a masterclass’ – Federer wows Wimbledon… again
Live scores, schedule and results
‘Age kicks in’ – Federer
Federer, who turns 38 in less than four weeks’ time, will become the oldest finalist here since Ken Rosewall in 1974.
While his years on the clock have not stopped him reaching a record-extending 12th Wimbledon men’s singles final, they are keeping his celebrations in check after his victory over Nadal.
“Age kicks in. I know it’s not over yet,” said the Swiss, who is now into his fifth final at the All England Club since turning 30.
“There’s no point to start partying tonight or get too emotional, too happy about it, even though I am extremely happy.
“I think I can with experience really separate the two. If it was the end of the tournament, it would be very different right now. I’d be speaking very different, feeling very different. There is, unfortunately or fortunately, one more.”
He said Friday’s victory over Nadal, which was their first meeting at the grass-court Grand Slam since their epic 2008 final which the Spaniard won, would go down as one of his favourites to look back on.
“It lived up to the hype, especially from coming out of the gates, we were both playing very well,” he said. “Then the climax at the end with the crazy last game, some tough rallies there.
“It had everything at the end, which was great. I’m just relieved it’s all over at this point.”
‘We are not done’ – Nadal
Nadal said Federer had deserved the victory, adding he himself had not played as well as in previous rounds and by the time he started finding his game towards the end of the match it was too late.
“I think his return was better than my one this afternoon. I didn’t receive well today,” the 33-year-old said.
“I think today the backhand didn’t work as good as in the previous rounds. I was little bit too worried about my backhand, so I was not able to move with freedom to the forehand.”
Nadal managed a smile when asked – for what he sighed was the 1,000th time – about the rivalry between himself, Federer and Novak Djokovic, who between them hold 53 Grand Slam titles – and soon to be 54.
Between them, come Sunday, they will have won the past 11 major titles.
And, helped by the fact the next generation is still failing to break through in a meaningful way, they are not finished yet.
“It is great to be part of this rivalry, be in the middle of these three players that achieved that much in this sport in the same era,” he said.
“It is something that is going to be difficult to see it again. We are not done, so… things continue.”
A recap of every match between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer…
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer will renew their rivalry on Sunday when they face off for the Wimbledon title. It will be the 48th meeting between the pair and their first since last November’s Rolex Paris Masters, a match Djokovic called, “one of the best matches we played” — also ATPTour.com’s Best Match of 2018.
The Serbian leads the pair’s electric FedEx ATP Head2Head series 25-22, with wins in five of their past six clashes. Their rivalry features the second-most matches played in the Open Era; only Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have faced off more often, with 54 battles.
Here’s a look at Djokovic and Federer’s 47 previous meetings…
2018 Rolex Paris Masters semi-finals, indoor hard, Djokovic d. Federer 76(6) 57 76(3) “We had epic matches throughout our rivalry but this one definitely ranks as one of the best matches we played.”
You could say it’s the match of the year on the ATP World Tour in 2018. Djokovic and Federer turned in a classic on the indoor hard courts of Paris-Bercy, with the Serbian and the Swiss contesting the longest three-set match in their longtime rivalry.
Not only did Djokovic overcome 54 winners off Federer’s racquet, but his 0/12 break-point conversion rate proved to be the first time he has squandered double-digit break chances in his career. But the Belgrade native was too clutch in the big moments, digging deep in the critical stages in both tie-breaks, including a set point saved at 6/5 in the first.
Djokovic extended his win streak to 22 straight in 2018 and four in a row against Federer. The Swiss last prevailed at the Nitto ATP Finals in 2015.
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2018 Western & Southern Open final, hard, Djokovic d. Federer 64 64 More than two years removed from their most recent meeting, Djokovic etched his name in the history books with his first Cincinnati crown. The Serbian completed the full set of ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles, capturing the Career Golden Masters and his 70th tour-level trophy overall.
Djokovic was aggressive off the ground and efficient on serve throughout the final, while Federer struggled to find his rhythm, hitting 39 unforced errors, including 20 off his forehand wing. It was a breakthrough victory over Federer in Cincinnati, having lost three previous final encounters, in 2009, 2012 and 2015. The Swiss had entered the championship with a 7-1 record in Cincy finals and was seeking a 99th tour-level crown.
2016 Australian Open semi-final, hard, Djokovic d. Federer 61 62 36 63 World No. 1 Djokovic moved through to his sixth Australian Open final after producing a masterful display to defeat Federer in two hours and 19 minutes.
The Serbian saved three of the four break points he faced, while breaking the Swiss five times. Incredibly, Djokovic won a higher rate of points on his second serve (66%) than Federer did on his first delivery (61%).
“I think against Roger, these first two sets have been probably the best two sets I’ve played against him overall I think throughout my career,” said Djokovic. “I’ve had some moments against him in sets where I’ve played on a high level, but this was a different level than from before. I’m just very, very pleased that I was able to perform the way I did from the very beginning till the end.”
2015 Nitto ATP World Tour Finals final, hard, Djokovic d. Federer 63 64 Djokovic completed his argument for one of the greatest seasons of all time on the ATP World Tour, capping a historic campaign with a record fourth consecutive Barclays ATP World Tour Finals crown. It was déjà vu with their second meeting of the week at The O2 in London, coming on the heels of Federer’s 7-5, 6-2 triumph in Group Stan Smith play.
Djokovic, who improved to 18-1 at the Final Showdown over the course of his four straight title runs, won his 11th title of 2015 and 59th overall at the tour-level.
In their previous meeting, Federer successfully controlled the baseline and found success on Djokovic’s first serve – winning 49 per cent of points. But the Serb was too steady in the final and Federer’s 31 unforced errors were too much to overcome. Djokovic secured a pair of breaks in the first set – in the third and ninth games – and claimed the lone break in the second set to seal the victory.
“I’m obviously very proud to have these achievements with my team,” said Djokovic during the trophy ceremony. “It’s been a long season, but the best of my life. Without their support and my family, I wouldn’t be where I am. I’m just trying to cherish every moment at this level. As a kid growing up, you dream to be at tournaments like this and fighting for the biggest trophies in sport.”
2015 Nitto ATP World Tour Finals round robin, hard, Federer d. Djokovic 75 62 After four losses in six match-ups with the World No. 1 in 2015, six-time champion Roger Federer defeated Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-2 in round-robin action at the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals. Federer’s straight-sets victory, coupled with Kei Nishikori’s three-set 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 decision over Tomas Berdych, meant he qualified for the Group Stan Smith semi-finals.
The Swiss broke their FedEx ATP Head2Head deadlock and moved ahead 22-21 with the victory. Djokovic, who tied the series with a four-set win in the 2015 US Open final, has never had more victories than Federer in their rivalry, which dates back to the ATP Masters 1000 Monte-Carlo in 2006.
Both players looked sharp early on, especially on serve, but Federer seized the momentum, taking the opening set 7-5 in 44 minutes. He would keep rolling in the second set, totaling 19 winners and a like number of unforced errors in closing out the match in one hour and 17 minutes.
Federer won 75 per cent (27 of 36) of his first-serve points, and converted four of eight break-point opportunities. Djokovic had been riding a 23-match win streak since falling to Federer in the Cincinnati final.
2015 US Open final, hard, Djokovic d. Federer 64 57 64 64 A three-hour rain delay could not stop Djokovic from capping the 2015 Grand Slam season with his third such title of the year and 10th overall. Djokovic won his second US Open crown, overcoming Federer in four sets under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The World No. 1 Serb’s 10 major titles made him the eighth player to win double digit crowns.
Djokovic was forced to battle against the Swiss second seed as well as the pro-Federer crowd that included a bevy of celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Hugh Jackman and Bradley Cooper. Under the watchful eye of Eva Asderaki-Moore, the first female chair umpire to preside over a US Open men’s singles final, the World No. 1 took a tumble in the opening set. Playing on with a scraped knee and elbow, the Serb prevailed to win the opening set, snapping Federer’s winning streak of 28 sets, the third-best of his career.
Read: How The Final Was Won
Djokovic entered the match with a 13-1 record against Federer when winning the first set, while Federer was 0-3 against top-ranked players in major finals. In the end, neither trend would change. After splitting the second and third sets, the Serb secured an immediate break in the first game of the fourth set and appeared to have the match in hand after snatching a second break for 5-2. But like he has done his entire career, Federer would not go down without a fight.
The second seed got one of the breaks back with an aggressive return game, capped by a slick drop shot approach after pushing Djokovic well behind the baseline with deep forehands. Federer would consolidate for 5-4 and had a sniff at completing the stunning comeback with two break points at 15/40 to draw level. Djokovic was too clutch when it mattered most, surviving three break chances in the final game to emerge victorious and hoist his second US Open trophy and 10th at the Grand Slam stage.
Djokovic gave credit to the 34-year-old Federer, stating that “he’s still improving and keeps on going.” “I have tremendous respect for Roger and what his game [presents] to me and any other player,” said the World No. 1, who has bagged three majors in the same season for the first time since 2011. “It’s been an incredible season. Next to [the] 2011 season, probably the best of all my life,” said the Serb, adding that he’s enjoying it more now because he’s a husband and a father. “[It] makes it even more sweeter.”
Video From US Open Tennis Championships
2015 Western & Southern Open final, hard, Federer d. Djokovic 76(1) 63 The top two seeds were locked at 20-20 in their FedEx ATP Head2Head series going into the final as Djokovic was bidding to win his first title in Cincinnati and complete a Career Golden Masters. The Serb had won their three previous meetings, but Federer’s aggressive mentality in cruising through the main draw saw him full of confidence for Sunday’s final against the World No. 1.
The Swiss won 40 per cent of return points entering the encounter and pressed for an early break immediately. Djokovic saved a trio of break points in the third game and another after a six-minute fifth game. The opener would proceed to a tie-break, where Federer would snatch an early mini-break and power through to take the first set, 7/1 in the tie-break. Federer would continue applying pressure on the Djokovic serve as the match progressed, surging to a 3-0 lead in the second set after the top seed double faulted to hand the initial break to the Swiss. He would hold serve to the finish line, striking 32 winners and seven aces in total to win his seventh ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati.
“I tried to really mix it up on his second serve and I was hoping to serve good enough myself to keep me out of trouble,” Federer said during an interview with ESPN following the match. “He had that one bad game at the beginning of the second set, which made the difference in the match.
“I’ve seen Novak adapt to my play over the years and he’s also improved a lot. His movement and his backhand and forehand are always so solid. There aren’t many errors coming out of his forehand wing now. Our rivalry has definitely evolved.”
Coverage: Live across BBC TV, radio and online with extensive coverage on BBC iPlayer, Red Button, Connected TVs and mobile app. Full details
This was the match Wimbledon had been waiting so long for.
Eleven years on from their last meeting on the Centre Court grass – that remarkable 2008 final – Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, with 38 Grand Slam titles between them, were back.
Their semi-final had its own hashtag, #FEDAL40, celebrating their 40th meeting. Henman Hill was so full that cordons were put in place to help ease overcrowding.
The queue for the resale ticket office was hundreds long yet there was little chance of any of the near 15,000 people on Centre Court budging from their seats.
David Beckham was back in the Royal Box for a second successive day to see his fellow sporting legends, Sir David Attenborough was on the edge of his seat and actors Jude Law and Hugh Grant were mesmerised by the unfolding drama.
This, as it proved and always was going to be, was one of those “I was there” moments.
It may not have been as dramatic as the 2008 final but the final stages were full of tension, with Nadal saving four match points. But it was Federer who clinched a 7-6 (7-3) 1-6 6-3 6-4 victory and the chance to take on defending champion Novak Djokovic on Sunday.
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‘It was a masterclass from Federer’
Eight-time champion Federer is just four weeks shy of his 38th birthday but his performance against Nadal demonstrated just why, if not yet confirmed, he is considered the greatest tennis player to ever step foot on a court.
Swiss great Federer’s backhand has often been considered his weakness, as he has previously said himself, yet his work to improve this area of his game was evident with several sublime winners.
His movement, his resilience, his shot selection – they all point to a player at the peak of his powers, albeit one who is inevitably nearing the end of his career. But Spaniard Nadal – four years his junior – still came unstuck.
“Nadal dug his toes in, he knew he had to make Federer serve it out. We know they’re both very resilient players,” said former British number one Tim Henman on BBC Two.
“What surprised me was when the rallies extended out, it was Federer who was coming out on top. He was driving in, looking to finish the points at the net, and for three of four sets it was a masterclass from Federer.
“Historically we’ve seen Nadal dominate when he extends the rallies. At 37, Federer – you felt – might get tired but it was just phenomenal.
“Nadal was always playing catch up. Federer on his serve was always up 15-love you felt, Nadal was never really up love-15 and able to get the crowd on side.”
Federer’s eight Wimbledon titles are more than any other man in history and if he beats Djokovic he will match Martina Navratilova’s success in women’s singles.
His performance against Nadal perhaps set a precedent for what is to come on Sunday, but in Djokovic he faces a defending champion eager not to relinquish his title.
“It was surprising how aggressive and how consistent Federer was,” added Henman.
“On the back of that performance, it’s going to be very interesting to start thinking about the dynamics of the final.”
The stats
Roger Federer has an 11-1 win-loss record in Wimbledon semi-finals. His only defeat in the semi-finals here came against Canada’s Milos Raonic in 2016
At 37 years 340 days, Federer becomes the third oldest man to reach a Grand Slam final in the open era
Federer is making his 21st consecutive Wimbledon appearance and his 77th Grand Slam
Federer holds the open era record for the most career grass-court titles with 19 titles on the surface
What they said
Pat Cash: A near flawless #Federer defeats #Nadal to get into yet another #Wimbledon final! Godlike tennis from the 37-year-old. Unreal stuff!
Greg Rusedski: Roger Federer was absolutely brilliant today. His second serve stat for points won and his backhand were incredible today. What a champion performance. Credit to Nadal as well who gave everything.
Katie Boulter: What a privilege to still be watching these two men. Incredible.
What you said
KayK: That backhand of Federer should be declared as the eighth wonder of the world
Tom Brown: I do love Roger Federer. For me, he is the greatest sportsman of all time.
Marc Nash: The tennis world will never ever be the same when these guys are not around anymore. Two of the best sportsmen I’ve ever seen and they are now relatively old and still nobody can get near them.
Karl Bristow: Sometimes it feels like the game needs young stars to come through. But when you watch a high-quality match like that, you want Federer vs Nadal at Wimbledon forever.
Philip West: Federer has just laid the ghosts of 2008 to rest, and if that’s the final time he and Nadal play each other at #Wimbledon, what a match to close it out.
Now for Djokovic…
Federer and Djokovic’s last meeting came at the Paris Masters last year but not since the 2015 Wimbledon final have they gone head-to-head on grass. Their last two meetings on this surface have resulted in Djokovic victories.
In fact on all surfaces, eight of their last 10 meetings have gone the Serb’s way. But Federer is someone who can never be written off.
“It’s just staggering. Nobody has really shown this sort of longevity – not at this level anyway,” said BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller.
But are there chinks in Federer’s armour?
“The only thing that slightly concerns me was that he admitted he was exhausted at the beginning of his interview,” added Fuller. “That must have delighted Novak Djokovic.”
For Nadal, More Winners Than Errors Isn’t Good Enough
Jul122019
Spaniard falls to Federer in thrilling Wimbledon semi-final
Rafael Nadal finished his Wimbledon semi-final loss against Roger Federer with 10 aces and more winners than unforced errors (32 to 25). But despite the impressive stats, the Spaniard felt his performance on Friday didn’t match the lofty standards he set in previous rounds.
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“Honestly, I didn’t have the great feelings that I had the other days,” said Nadal. “When I was hitting the ball with the forehand, especially with the backhand, I was not able to open up the court like the other days.
“You need to make him miss because you put him out of position. I probably didn’t hit the ball clean enough to make that happen this afternoon. Then you are in a situation where he plays in his comfort zone and it’s difficult from there – for me and for everybody, I think.”
The Spaniard tipped his hat to Federer for an outstanding display of tennis that produced 51 winners to only 27 unforced errors. Nadal leads their FedEx ATP Head2Head rivalry 24-16 and beat the Swiss last month en route to his 12th Roland Garros title (d. Thiem), but Federer has won six of their past seven matches. On grass, a surface where Federer has won three of their four matches, the eight-time champion’s strengths are amplified even further.
“He is always able to do the most difficult things easily,” said Nadal. “He’s able to move inside the court quicker than anyone. He puts pressure on the opponent all the time because he has the ability to take the ball earlier than anybody else. That’s probably the most difficult thing to make happen and he is able to do it so well.”
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Despite the loss, Nadal has plenty to build on for the American hard-court season. The World No. 2 hit more winners than errors in all of his matches this fortnight and recorded a meaningful second-round win over Nick Kyrgios, who defeated him earlier this year in Acapulco. The Spaniard also become the first player to qualify for this year’s Nitto ATP Finals, held in London at The O2 from 10-17 November.
Federer will bump Nadal to No. 3 in the ATP Rankings if he takes the title on Sunday, but Nadal has plenty of room to make another push upwards. Injuries limited the Spaniard to just two tournaments in the last four months of the 2018 season, so he’s only defending 1,720 ATP Rankings points for the rest of this year, compared to 2,400 for Federer and 5,690 for Djokovic.
Although Nadal was disappointed to not win his third Wimbledon title, he will leave The Championships focused on the positives of his two weeks here.
“It’s not the day to find any excuse,” said Nadal. “My energy was there. I have been playing with the right energy and with the right intensity the whole tournament. Today, too. He played a great match and well done to him.”
Watch the quirkier moments from day eleven at Wimbledon as Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal and Xavier Malisse produces an incredible ‘hot dog’ winner.
Coverage: Live across BBC TV, radio and online with extensive coverage on BBC iPlayer, Red Button, Connected TVs and mobile app. Full details
Roger Federer moved to within one win of a record-equalling ninth Wimbledon singles title as he beat long-time rival Rafael Nadal to set up a final against another old foe Novak Djokovic.
Swiss second seed Federer won 7-6 (7-3) 1-6 6-3 6-4 against the Spanish third seed before an enthralled Centre Court.
Federer took his fifth match point for a shot at a 21st Grand Slam, while denying Nadal the chance of a 19th.
Federer, 37, will meet Serbia’s top seed Djokovic at 14:00 BST on Sunday.
Federer’s eight Wimbledon titles are more than any other man in history and if he beats Djokovic he will match Martina Navratilova’s success in women’s singles.
“I’m exhausted. It was tough – at the end Rafa played some unbelievable shots to stay in the match,” Federer told BBC Sport.
“I had spells where I was serving very well and probably the biggest points in the match went my way.
“That first set was huge, to get the lead and try to protect it. It was a joy to play.”
Defending champion Djokovic, 32, goes for his 16th Grand Slam triumph after beating Spain’s 23rd seed Roberto Bautista Agut in four sets earlier on Friday.
Djokovic’s win ensured it would be a major final between two of the ‘Big Three’ in the men’s game for the first time since the Serb beat Federer in the 2015 showpiece at the All England Club.
Djokovic battles into Wimbledon final
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‘Fedal’ produce another memorable Wimbledon evening
Anticipation was high for the meeting between two of the men widely considered among the greatest – if not the greatest – to have played the game, particularly because it was their first Wimbledon showdown since an epic 2008 final.
The names of Federer and Nadal, along with #Fedal40, dominating social media sites signified how the match had captured the attention of fans across the world, while a Royal box featuring stellar names such as Sir David Attenborough, David Beckham and Hugh Grant brought an added sprinkling of stardust.
That 2008 match, played over almost seven hours because of rain delays and ending in virtual darkness in front of a mesmerised Centre Court, is regarded as one of the sport’s all-time great matches and it would have taken something extraordinary for the pair to recreate another occasion of such reverence.
Nevertheless, the pair – with a combined age of 70 – did produce a match which will live long in the memory.
Lengthy baseline rallies featuring flawless groundstrokes, supreme athleticism belying their advancing years and scintillating winners – particularly from Federer’s backhand – left the 15,000 crowd captivated.
Federer was locked into the match from the moment he delivered an ace with the first ball and, apart from that dip in the second set, neutralised Nadal’s weapons throughout.
After missing four match points, a dramatic ending saw Federer clinch victory in three hours and three minutes when Nadal whacked a backhand long.
Federer’s emotion was clear as a manic celebration – at least by his composed standards – greeted the math-winning point, raising both hands to the sky before wildly punching the air.
‘Surprising how aggressive and consistent Federer was’ – analysis
Tim Henman, former British number one and two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist:
Historically we’ve seen Nadal dominate when he extends the rallies. At 37, Federer – you felt – might get tired but it was just phenomenal.
Nadal was always playing catch up. Federer on his serve was always up 15-love you felt, Nadal was never really up love-15 and able to get the crowd on side.
It was surprising how aggressive and how consistent Federer was.
On the back of that performance, it’s going to be very interesting to start thinking about the dynamics of the final.
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