Advertisement

Federer looks 'invincible' from performance so far

AFP/The Local
AFP/The Local - [email protected]
Federer looks 'invincible' from performance so far
Swiss tennis ace Federer: can he win one more Grand Slam trophy? Photo: AFP

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer is looking increasingly untouchable at the All England Club after making the quarterfinals without being broken and boasting a remarkable serving sequence.

Advertisement

The 33-year-old reached his 13th quarterfinal at the All England Club on Monday with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 win over Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut.
   
His 96-minute win meant that in four rounds he has yet to drop his serve.
   
He has faced just two break points in 58 service games and committed only three double faults as he continues his quest for a record eighth Wimbledon title and the honour of being the oldest champion at the tournament in the Open Era.
   
The last time he dropped serve was in the second set of his opening round win over Philipp Kohlschreiber in Halle -- more than 100 service games ago.
   
"Maybe the guys are returning terrible," joked Federer.
   
"I got things figured out at the moment," he said.

"Clearly having the extra week (between the French Open and Wimbledon) helped me be perfectly prepared for Wimbledon."

Federer acknowledged he struggled in the initial going at the Halle tournament in Germany, seen as a warmup to Wimbledon, that he went on to win for a record eighth time. 
   
"In Halle I could have easily lost in the first round," he said.

"I was down 5/4 in the tiebreaker. Fast conditions, late at night, slippery — I was lucky to get through that one."
   
"Once I got through that one, I really was able to feel better, serve more consistent," Federer said, adding that it left him entering Wimbledon with fewer questions.

"Just focusing, point per point," he said.

"Especially on grass, that's what it takes — I did a good job."

Federer had John McEnroe applauding his performance from up in the television commentary box.
   
"It's hard not to see Federer facing Murray in the semi-finals with the way things are panning out right now," said the US legend.

"Roger is making it look oh so easy, time and again." 

The Swiss next faces France's Gilles Simon and wasn't getting too carried away with his chances of an 18th Grand Slam title.
   
"Gilles Simon is one of the best return players we have in the game," Federer said.

"I would think I'll be tested a lot," he said.

"So that streak's maybe coming to an end, in my opinion." 
   
Federer would tackle 2013 champion Murray in the semifinals should the Briton see off unseeded Canadian Vasek Pospisil in his last-eight clash.
   
"I don't think I made a statement," Federer said.

"It was nice to play a baseliner (Bautista Agut) after two big servers (Sam Querrey and Sam Groth)," he said.

"I did a nice job making the transition," Federer said.
   
"Clearly I felt I had more time on the return, still was able to play aggressive tennis, committed on the return as well, which sometimes all of a sudden if you have time, you tend to just get it in and get the rally started."
   
Federer holds a 5-2 career lead over Simon, who reached his maiden All England Club quarterfinal by knocking out 2010 runner-up and sixth seed Tomas Berdych.

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also