WIMBLEDON, England – Novak Djokovic closed out his latest Wimbledon win with an ace, then threw a fist and let loose a primal scream.
Bring on Roger Federer. They’ll meet at Wimbledon for the first time Friday.
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Federer earned a record 32nd Grand Slam semifinal berth and moved closer to a record-tying seventh Wimbledon title Wednesday, beating Mikhail Youzhny, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2. Minutes later on an adjacent court, defending champion Djokovic finished off Florian Mayer, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4.
Federer has a 14-12 edge against the top-ranked Djokovic. They’ve met in Grand Slam semifinals five times the past two years, with Djokovic winning four of those matches.
They’ve never played each other on grass.
“A nice matchup,” Federer said. “Obviously I’m aware that Novak is the defending champion and the world No. 1. That’s not going to make it easy.”
“It’s always a pleasure playing against Roger,” Djokovic said. “Obviously he’s a great champion. He has been so dominant and consistent in these Grand Slams, and he’s really an ultimate challenge on grass courts.”
The other semifinal will match No. 4-seeded Andy Murray against No. 5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Murray, seeking to become the first British man since 1938 to reach the Wimbledon final, needed nearly four hours to defeat No. 7 David Ferrer, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (6), 6-4, 7-6 (4).
Tsonga advanced to the semifinals for the second year in a row by beating first-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist Philipp Kohlschreiber, 7-6 (6), 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-2.
Murray and Tsonga are both seeking their first major title. With two-time champion Rafael Nadal eliminated last week from one half of the draw, the Federer-Djokovic winner will be a big favorite Sunday against a first-time Wimbledon finalist.
Federer had been tied with Jimmy Connors for the most major semifinals. He reached the final four at Wimbledon for the first time since 2009, when he won the title for the sixth time.
“I’m just happy that I’m around further than I’ve been the last couple of years,” Federer said.
Against the No. 26-seeded Youzhny, Federer showed no sign of the back ailment that prompted him to seek treatment during the first set of his previous match. In the second game, he converted his fifth break-point chance and pulled away from there.
“My back is holding up,” Federer said. “I could focus on tennis again.”
The Centre Court audience included Prince William and wife Kate, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf and Rod Laver, all sitting in the Royal Box.
“I think it helps when royalty shows up, and other legends of the game come and see me play,” Federer said. “It’s inspiring.”
A brief rain delay couldn’t slow Federer, and neither could Youzhny, who seemed pleased at times just to win a point. Late in the first set, when the Russian hit a running scoop forehand cross-court for a winner, he raised both arms and grinned as the crowd roared.
Early in the final set, a desperate Youzhny looked up to the royal box and asked for help from Agassi, who laughed. Youzhny then double-faulted to lose the game.
“It was pretty funny,” Federer said. “Mikhail is a great guy.”
He’s also Federer’s favorite foil. Federer has won all 14 of their matches, his best record against any opponent.
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