Roger Federer has stormed into the semifinal of Wimbledon 2016 after an incredible battle with Marin Cilic. ?The 34-year-old Swiss was 2 sets down to Cilic when he came back to win the match 6-7,4-6,6-3,7-6,6-3. He survived 3 match points in the fourth set in what is beyond doubts one of the most remarkable comebacks in his career.
The quarterfinal match is beyond doubt one of the best matches he has played here. Here we look at other remarkable and iconic matches that clearly define the legend he is.
#5 ?Federer Defeats Rafael Nadal in Final – 2007 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
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7-6 (7), 4-6, 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-2
A five-setter against Rafael Nadal has always proven to be a gruelling encounter for every player on the Circuit: Roger Federer defeated the prodigy from Spain in a thrilling encounter that lasted three hours and 45 minutes.
“I’m just happy with such a great run, especially at Wimbledon, the most important tournament of my life,” Federer said. “I’m loving every minute of it, that’s clear.”
“Each one is special but to play a champion like Rafa, it means a lot and equalling Bjorn’s record as well…” a tearful Federer said.
“He’s a fantastic player and he’s going to be around so much longer so I’m happy with every one I get before he takes them all!
“It was such a close match. I told him at the net that he deserved it as well. I’m the lucky one today.”
#4 Federer loses to Novak Djokovic in Final – 2014 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
6-7 (7), 6-4, 7-6 (4), 5-7, 6-4
An entertaining encounter between the one of Greats of Tennis and the reigning player in the Men’s Circuit. The match lived upto it’s expectations as Roger Federer came back to force a fifth set after being Down two sets to one. But it was all about the energy levels present on the court and being five years younger, Djokovic sealed his second Wimbledon title.
“I kept believing and kept trying to play offensive tennis,” Federer said. “Novak deserved it at the end, clearly, but was extremely close.”
?I respect your career and everything you?ve done,? Djokovic told Federer immediately after the match, ?and thank you for letting me win today. After dropping a fourth set it wasn?t easy to regroup and find the energy to win the fifth. I don?t know how I did it.?
#3 Federer defeats Andy Roddick in Final – 2009 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14??
A serving master class: that is how a Tennis fan would describe this thrilling encounter. Andy Roddick’s serve was broken just once – in the 77th game (the last game played). This break was just enough for Roger Federer to seal a four hour and 15 minutes of play to become the first man to win 15 Grand Slams. He slammed a career-record 50 aces and played a terrific 30-game fifth set to grab the trophy from Roddick’s reach.#2 Federer defeats Pete Sampras in the Fourth Round – 2001 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
7-6 (7), 5-7, 6-4, 6-7 (2), 7-5?
Roger?Federer, then a 19-year-old prodigy, ended Pete Sampras’ 31-match winning streak at the All England Club to kick start a promising career. American Sampras was vying for his fifth consecutive title at Wimbledon suffered a shock exit in 2001.
“There are a lot of young guys coming up,” Sampras said afterwards, “but Roger is a bit extra-special — he has a great all-around game. Like me, he doesn’t get too emotional and is a great athlete.”
#1 Federer loses to Rafael Nadal in Final – 2008. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??
6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7
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Known as one of the greatest Tennis matches ever played, the match between Federer and Nadal went on for four hours and 48 minutes amidst extreme weather conditions. Coming back from being down two sets to none, Federer was involved in a couple of tie-breakers. But his 40-match winning streak came to a halt by a rampaging Nadal.
“I am very happy for me, but sorry for him because he deserved this title, too,” Nadal said. Federer added, “Probably my hardest loss, by far.”