Raonic, Federer to meet again in Wimbledon semifinals
Milos Raonic will face a familiar opponent in Friday’s semifinals at Wimbledon.
The Canadian advanced to the final four at the All England Club with a 6-4, 7-5, 5-7, 6-4 victory over American Sam Querrey on Wednesday. It’s the second time Raonic has reached the semis of the prestigious tournament, having fallen to Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in 2014.
Two years after that match, Raonic and Federer will meet again with a spot in the Wimbledon final on the line.
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Milos Raonic of Canada, left, shakes hands at match point after beating Sam Querrey of the U.S in their men’s singles match on day ten of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
“I look forward to it a lot,” Raonic told reporters after Wednesday’s win. “Two years have passed since I played him here in the semifinals. I’m happy that I have another shot at him.”
Friday’s match will mark the second meeting of the year between the two and 12th all-time. Federer has won nine of the 11 previous meetings, but Raonic won the most recent, which came in the final of the Brisbane International in January.
Federer has won Wimbledon seven times previously and reached the final the past two years. He’s won 307 grand slam matches in his career, which is an all-time record. His latest victory came on Wednesday where he came back from two sets down to defeat Marin Cilic.
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Although Friday’s match will be a difficult task, Raonic is looking forward to playing against one of the sport’s best at its grandest theatre.
“I have very clear objectives and goals for myself that are beyond this tournament,” said the Thornhill, Ontario native. “To achieve those things you have to face off against the best players at the best tournaments. I hope I can relish in that opportunity.”
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Milos Raonic consoles Roger Federer following the Brisbane International final where the Canadian prevailed on January 10, 2016.
The 25-year-old, who will represent Canada at Rio 2016, is still looking for his first grand slam title. He’s had a solid 2016 campaign, reaching the finals of three ATP tournaments.
“He’s had a wonderful year,” said Federer. “He’s a great player and he’s improving everyday that goes by. I’m excited to play against him.”
The Wimbledon final will take place on Sunday.
