Rafael Nadal defeated Sam Querrey in straight sets to set up a Wimbledon semi-final showdown against long-term rival Roger Federer. The 33-year-old third seed, who is chasing a third title at the All England Club to move to within one Grand Slam win of Federer’s current career tally of 20, had to scrap all the way to clinch the opening set against his 31-year-old American opponent on Centre Court.
However, a break of serve in the 11th game of the set proved crucial as the Spanish world number two went on to seal a 7-5 6-2 6-2 win. It ensured Nadal a seventh Wimbledon semi-final spot and he is looking forward to facing eight-time winner, Federer, on Friday. He said: “It’s great, difficult to imagine to be again in that situation but here we are.
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I am excited about the victory for today, but excited to play Roger again at Wimbledon after such a long time.” Federer was made to work harder for his quarter-final win against Kei Nishikori on Court One as the Japanese started strongly and took the first set. However, the 37-year-old second seed bounced back immediately as he broke Nishikori twice in the second to level the tie within 23 minutes.
It was relatively one-way traffic after that as Federer went on to claim his 100th match win at the All England Club 4-6 6-1 6-4 6-4. Looking ahead to a mouthwatering clash against Nadal in his 45th Grand Slam semi-final, Federer added: “We have a lot of information on Rafa, as does he on us.
So you can dive in to the tactics like mad for two days or you say it’s grass court tennis so I’m going to come out and play my tennis. “People always hype it up. It was a joy to play against Rafa on his court at the French Open (in last month’s semi-final) and it would be if I have to play him here at Wimbledon. I’d be very excited to play him here.”
