(July 7, 2021) Eight-time Wimbledon champion and the No. 6 seed Roger Federer lost to 14th seed Hubert Hurkacz of Poland 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-0 in the quarterfinals on Centre Court on Wednesday. This marked the first time that the Swiss lost a set 6-0 at the All-England Club in his 22 times playing the tournament.
“I don’t know what to say. It’s super special for me,” Hurkacz said about defeating his idol. I mean, playing on this special court against Roger — it’s always, when you’re a kid, it’s like a dream come true to play him.”
What does this mean for the almost 40-year-old Federer, will he be back to to play the tournament in 2022? “I’m actually very happy I made it as far as I did here and I actually was able to play Wimbledon at the level that I did after everything I went through,” said Federer in his news conference. “Of course I would like to play [Wimbledon] again, but at my age, you’re just never sure what’s around the corner.”
He still has not made a decision on participating in the Tokyo Olympic Games.
No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who is seeking his 20th major, had no real problems taking out Marton Fucsovics of Hungary 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to reach his 10th Wimbledon semifinal.
“It was a solid performance and I started off really well, particularly in the first five games of the set,” said Djokovic. “One break of serve in the second and third sets was enough today and I’d like to give credit to Marton for fighting so hard.”
The 34-year-old Serbian in not only on a quest to win his 20th major title to tie for the all-time record, but is trying to win the first three legs of the calendar Grand Slam. The last man to win the Grand Slam was Rod Laver in 1969.
Djokovic will face off against 10th seed, Canadian Denis Shapovalov, who ousted 25th seed Karen Khachanov of Russia 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 on No. 1 Court. Djokovic leads in his head-to-head record against Shapovalov 6-0.
“Obviously, he’s the best player in the world,” Shapovalov said about his next opponent, “but I think anything is possible. And when you look at the scoreboard first thing on Friday, it’s going to be 0-0. So that’s it. Nothing else matters.”
Hurkacz’s opponent on Friday will be No. 7 Matteo Berrettini of Italy who beat his good friend, Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 to reach his first Wimbledon semifinal.
Berrettini is the first man from Italy in the Open Era to make the final four at Wimbledon.
“Everything is crazy right now. Thanks to Felix, I think we made a great match and I hope you guys enjoyed it,” Berrettini said in his on-court interview. “He’s probably one of my best friends on tour, so it’s never easy to play against him. But that’s sport and I’m really happy.”
“Hubert is having a great season. He won Miami, he is playing good. Beating Federer in three sets means that he’s playing well,” Berrettini said. “But I feel ready, I’m feeling confident. Good luck to him, and let’s see.”
“I think we know each other pretty well. We played just once in a tournament on grass two years ago, but for sure he improved, I improved,” Berrettini said. “Today was really tricky. It’s always special to play on such a nice court, so it was really difficult. Good luck to him, but now I’m happy for myself.”
Berrettini is 10-0 on grass this season, having won the Queen’s Club tournament in London.
Three of the four 2021 men’s semifinals will be making their first appearance in the Wimbledon final four on Friday.
