Roger Federer v Stanislas Wawrinka 3-6 7-6 6-4 6-4

Federer sees off Wawrinka to reach semis

02-07-2014

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Roger Federer fought back gamely from a set down to beat fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 3-6 7-6 6-4 6-4 on Centre Court.

It is the ninth Wimbledon semi-final for the 32-year-old seven-times champion, who has been in imperious form on the grass this year, winning at Halle before steaming through five rounds at the All England Club.

Federer, playing his 16th tour match against his Davis Cup team mate Wawrinka, looked listless during the first set before getting into his stride to notch his 14th win over the Australian Open champion.

Another slight chink in Federer's formidable armour showed itself as he served a nervy game to complete the victory. It took five match points for the 17-times grand slam champion to wrap up the contest, finishing with a big serve and a smash.

It is the ninth Wimbledon semi-final for the 32-year-old seven-times champion, who has been in imperious form on the grass this year, winning at Halle before steaming through five rounds at the All England Club.

"It's tough (playing against a friend), Stan played great especially in the first two sets, until he started to really struggle with his fitness," Federer said.

Wawrinka had to play three days in a row after weekend rain caused scheduling problems at the championships. He had also spent and hour and 40 minutes longer on court than Federer.

"He was hitting it so well so I had to wait for my chance," Federer said. "It's hard against a friend because we know each other's game so well and I wish him all the best for the rest of the season, because he has been great so far this year."

He will meet either Canadian Milos Raonic or 19-year-old Australian Nick Kyrgios, who beat world No.1 Rafael Nadal on Tuesday, in Friday's semi-final.