Wimbledon 2018: Roger Federer Knocked Out, Nadal Sets Up Djokovic Clash

Wimbledon pre-tournament favorite Roger Federer suffered a shock loss in the quarter-finals at the hands of Kevin Anderson on Wednesday despite holding match points in the third set.

The South African, who has impressed in the last 12 months, came back from two sets and a match point down in the third set to win the match 2-6, 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 13-11 in four hours and 13 minutes.

Even after Anderson saved match point and won the third set, it was unimaginable that Federer would surrender the next two. The Swiss ace admits it was his mistake not making better use of the chances offered to close out the match, but paid credit to the world number eight, who is looking to make his second Grand Slam final in less than 12 months after making the summit clash at the U.S. Open in 2017.

“I was very happy that I got off to the right start of the match and was able to take control of the game. I just don’t know how I could not create more opportunities you know once the third set came around,” Federer said after his loss to Anderson on Wednesday.

“I think I had chances, but I am not sure how many. But the fourth and fifth, obviously the fifth was long like it was two sets [13-11]. I think I had my chances so it is disappointing."

“But no doubt about it that he was consistent, he was solid and he got what he needed when had to. So credit to him for hanging around for so long,” the world number two added.

Anderson will now take on big serving American John Isner in the semi-finals after he overcame Milos Raonic in the other quarter-final in the top half of the men’s singles draw.

In the bottom half of the draw, meanwhile, two former champions booked their place in the semi-finals with contrasting wins. Rafael Nadal played what was described as the best match of 2018 thus far to beat Juan Martin del Potro in five sets to make the last four, while Novak Djokovic recorded a straight forward win over Kei Nishikori.

The Spaniard came from two sets down to beat the Argentine 7-5, 6-7, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in four hours and 48 minutes to book a place in the last four for the first time since 2011. Many have described it as one of the best matches in the history of the tournament with both players giving it their all for the win.

Djokovic, on the other hand, came through 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 against the Japan’s Nishikori and will now take on the world number one for a place in the final. It is a match that many would have hoped was for the title.

The Serbian has struggled for form in the last 15 months, while also spending a considerable amount of time out with injury. But he is looking like he is reaching his best and could pose a major threat to Nadal, who has already won four titles this season which includes the French Open in June.