Roger Federer’s epic tennis career is winding down but he still found himself within striking distance of a record eighth Wimbledon title. Having never lost in a Wimbledon semifinal, he merely had to get past sixth-seed Milos Raonic, who had never been to a Grand Slam final.
Despite taking a two-sets-to-one lead, time and injuries caught up with Federer and Raonic beat the seven-time Wimbledon champ 6-3, 6-7 (3), 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 on Centre Court.
Another five-set epic for Roger Federer, but it's Milos Raonic who's celebrating a place in the #Wimbledon final… https://t.co/PRmBkhuq90
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2016
Roanic becomes the first Canadian man to ever advance to a Grand Slam final and only the second overall following Eugenie Bouchard, who was the Wimbledon women’s runner-up in 2014.
The victory was also payback for a semifinal loss to Federer in straight sets two years prior.
Federer’s loss means he remains tied with Pete Sampras and William Renshaw for the most titles (seven).
“This one clearly hurts because I felt I could have had it. So close. It was really so, so close. It clearly hurts.”
Federer needed the assistance of a trainer on multiple occasions. Once to massage his thigh and once to check on the left knee he had surgery on this past February after a slip and fall. While Federer returned to the match, the fall also seemed to be about the time Raonic took control and never looked back.
"Oh it's extraordinary from @milosraonic"
If you're going to beat Federer, it helps to produce magic like this… https://t.co/mimVNJ1F8P
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2016
Raonic will now play the winner of the other semifinal match, 2013 Wimbledon champ Andy Murray and 2010 runner-up Tomas Berdych.
[ESPN]
