Federer Escapes, Moves Into Wimbledon SF

Roger Federer has climbed back into his Wimbledon quarter-final contest against Marin Cilic, staving off three match points to force a decider on Centre Court on Wednesday 6-7(4), 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(9).

The two played an enthralling fourth-set tie-break that saw Federer save one match point and Cilic erase four set points. But the seven-time Wimbledon champion evened the contest on his serve.

It was a back-and-forth tie-break in which Federer led 6-4 and both players showed resolve to push it to 20 points. Now Federer will try to continue his comeback and achieve what has never happened: Cilic is 51-0 at Grand Slam championships when taking the first two sets. Coming back from two sets down is familiar to Federer, though. He’s done it nine times in his career.

In the third set, Federer stayed in the match by breaking the Croat for the first time when Cilic double faulted on break point at 3-4 in the third. The Swiss star then served out the set. During the first two sets, Federer had been 0 for 3 on break points.

For the first two sets, Cilic had been pushing Federer around the court, often landing a first serve in the 125 miles per hour range and seizing play with a directed groundstroke. He won 87 per cent of his first-serve points during the first two sets. At 3-all in the third set, the 6’6″ right-hander also had three break points to go up 4-3. But Federer reeled off five straight points and has continued that momentum.

Both players have looked to practise quick-strike tennis during their seventh FedEx ATP Head2Head meeting. Strong first serve, aggressive next shot. Cilic was dictating play in the beginning, often looking untouchable. But Federer has picked up his play, serving and volleying and charging the net more often against the Croat. The fan favourite also has used the crowd to his benefit.