Federer, Novak face new Wimbledon warriors

Old world warriors Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, with 23 grand slam titles between them, face the rookie ambitions of Milos Raonic and Grigor Dimitrov on Friday for a place in the Wimbledon final.

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Federer is the 32-year-old holder of a record 17 majors and Djokovic, 27, was 2011 champion at the All England Club and a winner of six grand slam crowns.

Federer is about to play his 35th semi-final at a major while it will be No.23 for for Djokovic.

Canadian eighth seed Raonic and 11th-seeded Bulgarian Dimitrov, both 23, are in unchartered waters.

With Rafael Nadal and 2013 winner Andy Murray out, remaining are just two of the big four, who have carved up 35 of the past 37 grand slam titles between them.

And Federer and Djokovic continue as overwhelming favourites.

Federer – stunned in round two last year, 12 months after winning his seventh title – has a 4-0 career lead over Raonic, the first Canadian male semi-finalist in 106 years.

Despite seeking a record eighth title, Federer insists he is happy to see a new breed coming through.

“It’s just hard breaking through. The (rankings) points, you fetch them from semis on, not really quarters anymore like it used to be.”

Federer will be the sentimental favourite against Raonic whose quarter-final win over Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios – Nadal’s shock conqueror – was brutally effective but far from pretty.

“Well, he’s got a big serve. Clearly that’s what is most visible when you see him play,” conceded Federer.

“It keeps him in the match. I’ve played him in some interesting places like Halle (on grass) where we basically didn’t have any rallies.”

Raonic is not concerned by his poor record against Federer.

“He’s gotten the better of me all four times. But I haven’t played him in more than a year and a bit, so I think I’m a different player … I’ve got to step up and do it.”

Raonic has extra incentive having seen compatriot Eugenie Bouchard become the first Canadian woman to make a major final.

Top-seeded Djokovic lost to Murray last year and takes a 3-1 lead over Dimitrov into their semi-final.

Dimitrov, to become the first Bulgarian man in the world top 10 next week, reached his first major semi by defeating Murray in straight sets, finally allowing him to live up to the ‘Baby Fed’ hype from his junior days.

Transformed since hiring Australian coach Roger Rasheed, Dimitrov won at Queen’s Club last month.

“Fear is out of the picture,” he said of Djokovic.

The Serb said he would respect Dimitrov who was yet to lose on grass this summer.

“That says enough about his quality. I’m sure many people look at him as a potential grand slam winner – maybe here, maybe in the grand slams to follow.”

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