Friday, July 8, 2016

Canada's Milos Raonic reaches first ever Wimbledon final after thrilling five set semi-final comeback win over Roger Federer



Milos Raonic roars with delight on his way to a surprise Wimbledon semi-final victory over Roger Federer

 



Roger Federer's bid for a historic eighth Wimbledon title is over after the Swiss fell in five sets to the brilliant power game of Milos Raonic.
The 34-year-old was seemingly comfortable after recovering from an opening set defeat by taking the second on a tiebreak and the third 6-4.
But serving at 5-6 in the fourth he blew a 40-0 lead and the huge-serving Canadian forced a fascinating match into a decider.
Milos Raonic roars with delight on his way to a surprise Wimbledon semi-final victory over Roger Federer
Milos Raonic roars with delight on his way to a surprise Wimbledon semi-final victory over Roger Federer
Raonic proved just why he is one of the most promising young players on tour to reach a first ever major final
Raonic proved just why he is one of the most promising young players on tour to reach a first ever major final
Federer lost the first set to the big serving Raonic but eventually prevailed in a tight encounter
Federer lost the first set to the big serving Raonic but eventually prevailed in a tight encounter
Raonic (right) showed great courage and no little talent to roar back from 2-1 down in sets to seal a final place
The feeling of defeating Federer firmly hits Raonic. He can now look forward to a place in Sunday's final
The feeling of defeating Federer firmly hits Raonic. He can now look forward to a place in Sunday's final
Federer, bidding to become the oldest Wimbledon finalist since 1974, needed treatment on his right knee before the fifth started and then called for more help after tripping at 1-2 down in the decider. 
Raonic, the sixth seed, ultimately broke in that game following an extraordinary point that culminated in the 25-year-old hitting a clean forehand winner across the court.
He held on to win the set 6-3, taking him into his first Slam final. It is a stunning achievement for Raonic, whose coach John McEnroe made the controversial decision to commentate on the match rather than offer a courtside presence.
 Federer looked to have victory in the bag but Raonic was having none of it in what was a thrilling encounter
 Federer looked to have victory in the bag but Raonic was having none of it in what was a thrilling encounter
The Swiss great feels the pressure during a fifth set in which Raonic took control just when it mattered most
The Swiss great feels the pressure during a fifth set in which Raonic took control just when it mattered most
British boxer David Haye poses for a selfie as he watches the action on Centre Court on Friday afternoon
British boxer David Haye poses for a selfie as he watches the action on Centre Court on Friday afternoon
Federer feels that sinking feeling after taking a tumble during the deciding set with Canadian star Raonic
Federer feels that sinking feeling after taking a tumble during the deciding set with Canadian star Raonic
Raonic waves to the Centre Court crowd after sealing victory over Federer in the most dramatic of fashions
Raonic waves to the Centre Court crowd after sealing victory over Federer in the most dramatic of fashions
Despite that curious situation, Raonic rarely looked flustered, even in the face of Federer taking the second and third sets with almost flawless tennis. 
Quite aside from his massive serving – Raonic hit the tournament’s fastest serve of 144mph in the first set and a second serve of 133mph in the second – his ground strokes were excellent and needed to be against a player who hit only 14 unforced errors in five sets.
For Federer it was a match too far, having fought back from two sets down to beat Marin Cilic in the quarter-finals.
Raonic said: ‘It is an incredible comeback for me., I was struggling in the third and fourth – he was playing some incredible tennis. But on a little opening I turned the match.'
On the prospect of a first Grand Slam title on Sunday, he added: ‘I have to focus on winning and put my energy into that. I will do the best I can.’ 


 The Centre Court crowd were treated to a bruising five set affair between two of the game's best players
 The Centre Court crowd were treated to a bruising five set affair between two of the game's best players
Prince Andrew catches a stray ball in the Royal Box as Federer and Raonic serve up a real treat for the fans
Prince Andrew catches a stray ball in the Royal Box as Federer and Raonic serve up a real treat for the fans
Federer waves goodbye to his favourite Centre Court crowd as they give him a rousing reception on departure 
Federer waves goodbye to his favourite Centre Court crowd as they give him a rousing reception on departure 

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