Roger Federer reached yet another Wimbledon semi-final. This
would be his 43 Grand-slam semi-final appearance. In the quarter-final, he got through
his match in straight sets – 6-2, 7-6, 6-2, with relative ease.
Federer, who had declined to a precipitous #14 in the world
end of last year, has made some adjustments to re-invent the game. After hiring
his arch-enemy and good friend Nadal as his coach last year, Federer has
switched to two-handed back-hand. Although his inability to adjust quickly to
two handed back-hand was cited as a reason for his ranking decline late last
year, it seems the hard work with Nadal has really paid off. Nadal, who had
retired in 2017 after a spate of injuries said, “Roger now feels very
comfortable with the change. He already is a great player, I just needed work
with his mechanics on high bouncing top-spin on his back-hand”.
His compatriot, Stan Wawrinka, who now commentates for BBC
has not counted out Federer to win his 21st Grand Slam – “Although
Roger has won only one Grand slam the past 7 years, he is always in
conversation, when Wimbledon comes along”. The ever hopeful Federer fans
believe, if the other half opens-up when the play resumes tomorrow, this could
be the year for Grand Slam #21.
Federer, who will turn 42 this august, said, “I’m glad I
played well today – it was a tough match to keep up with a youngster like this,
but I thought I served great, found the right spots and my two handed back-hand
is coming together really well”. He further added he is motivated to play until
next year Olympics at Budapest, where he is hoping to win one medal for his
country.
Federer is also in mixed-doubles draw with his 15 year old
daughter Myla Rose Federer.
In another news, Pete Sampras announced his retirement from
the senior circuit. He jocularly mentioned that he just got tired of waiting
for Federer.
