Roger Federer avoided joining Wimbledon’s growing list of Centre Court casualties as the Swiss star hit back to reach the semi-finals with a 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 6-4 victory over compatriot Stan Wawrinka on Wednesday.
Federer dropped a set for the first time in this year’s tournament, but eventually emerged unscathed on Wimbledon’s showpiece arena just hours after defending champion Andy Murray walked off stunned by his quarter-final defeat against Grigor Dimitrov.
Murray’s loss was the latest in a long line of shocks on Centre Court over the past nine days, with world No.1 Rafael Nadal and former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova also among those bowing out.
But fourth seed Federer ensured his name wasn’t added to the list with a come from behind victory in the last eight to secure his 35th grand slam semi-final appearance.
“It’s always nice to play on Centre Court and in England, I have had amazing support since I first came in 1998,” said Federer.
“Stan played great in the first two sets but maybe he struggled with his fitness a little.
“We know our patterns so well so it’s hard to get by.”
Federer admitted he has been especially motivated at Wimbledon this year following his surprise second round loss to Sergiy Stakhovsky 12 months ago.
“Last year was a disappointment as Wimbledon is always a highlight of the year for me. I didn’t come close and I was very deflated,” he said.
“So it’s good to come back and have a chance of going further.”