FEDERER SUCCUMB TO SUPERIOR POWER OF HURKACZ AS NOVAK QUALIFY TO SEMI-FINAL
Swiss Roger Federer quest for ninth Wimbledon was not a dream come through as he was stopped by Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter final 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner suffered his 14 defeat in 119 matches and first straight-sets loss since an opening –round exit against Mario Ancic in 2002. The eight –time Wimbledon Champion lost the first set 6-0, struggling to cope with the pace of the Polish who is 15 years his junior.
Hurkacz, having defeated World No.2 Daniil Mdevedev in five sets in the last 16, was consistent with his power effort, dominating the match to break Federer in the six game of the opening set. It was obvious under pressure Federer who had injuries prior to the French Open which he retired during the tournament to concentrate on the Wimbledon, did to step up his game as he carved out a break for 2-0 in the second set.
But he couldn’t sustain the tempo as Hurkacz leveled in the seventh game from 1-4 down before dominating the tiebreak.
The Polish young star continued his dominant play leading just 0-2 on resumption of the third set and wrapped up the decider in just 29 minutes as he stunned Federer fans at the Centre Court.
“It’s super special to have played Roger here, it’s a dream come true,” sad Hurkacz
He added “He’s done so many special things here.” Hurkacz praised the eight –time Wimbledon winner, Federer.
The second Polish to reach the semi-finals of the Wimbledon tournament following the by record Jerzy Janowiz in 2013 is expected to play either Matteo Berrettini of Italy or Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassimie for Sunday’s final.
Meanwhile, Serb Novak Djokkovic reached his 10th Wimbledon semi-final, Wednesday, he defeated Hungary’s Marton Fuscsovics 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. The five-time Wimbledon champion will battle 10th seed Canada’s Denis Shapovalov who defeated Russia’s Karen Khachanov 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 in the Semi-final, Sunday.
Djokovic who won his 100th career grass court and the third man to capture all four majors more than once with his second French Open victory last month, reacted to his victory,
“I’m aware of certain stats, I love this sport with all my heart, body and soul and have been devoted to it since I was four.” Djokovic said.
He admitted that sometimes things do look surreal for him but he has learnt to take every opportunity on court to live the moment for the best,
“Going for history is a huge inspiration for me, let’s keep it going.” He said.
The five –time Wimbledon champion is two behind to equalling 20th Major title.
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