WASHINGTON, July 6, 2012 — Roger Federer came roaring back in great form, taking down last year’s Wimbledon champ Novak Djokovic 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Federer who has won six Wimbledons (and one loss) is one victory away from tying Pete Sampras’ record of seven Wimbledon wins. On Sunday, July 8, he will face Andy Murray who just took out Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5. “I feel a bit of relief, excitement, it’s tough to explain,” the Scot told BBC Sport.
Sunday’s Wimbledon Schedule - Centre Court
No. 3 Roger Federer vs. No. 4 Andy Murray
Wimbledon - Centre Court
Sunday July 8 starting at 9 a.m. EDT
ESPN, ESPN3
As for Federer, he’s not counting his chicks just yet. “I have one more match to go. I’m aware of that,” said the Federer who turns 31 in August. “Still, it’s always nice beating someone like Novak, who has done so well here last year, the last couple years.”
The Swiss ace, who had lost to Djokovic in the French Open as well as well as six of seven matches to the Serbian, this had to be one sweet victory. Even his back, which had caused him trouble earlier this week, cooperated. It helped that Centre Court has a retractable roof that closed during the rain, protecting the grass court from becoming a slippery slope to defeat.
Brit Andy Murray beat back Jo-Wilfried Tsonga AP
“I think over all the surface made the match play differently and potentially in my favor,” said Federer.
People watching the game noticed that Djokovic was not in his usual fighting form and after the game he seemed fatigued, breathing heavily. Some commented that his game was uninspired. Djokovic did not explain except to say, “Last five or six days I haven’t been feeling that great, but I don’t want to talk about it right now.”
As for Federer’s decisive win: “Of course I do have a respect for Roger and everything he has done. Of course it goes to his credit, the history that he has. But when you’re on the court, you don’t think about it.”
However, there is one more hurdle for Federer on his way to winning the championship on Sunday, July 8, the little matter of Andy Murray of Britain at the men’s Final.
Murray’s defeat of a strong player like Tsonga, who upended Federer last year at Wimbledon, makes Murray’s win all the more satisfying. If Murray beats the odds and goes on to defeat Federer and win Wimbledon, he would be the first Brit since 1938 to take home the title.
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