Seven-time champion Roger Federer was stunned by sixth seed Milos Raonic downed the Swiss maestro in a titanic five-set struggle as
In the process, Milos Raonic became the first Canadian man to reach a Grand Slam final as he triumphed 6-3, 6-7 (3/7), 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.
It was 25-year-old Raonic’s first win on grass against a top 10 opponent and shattered Federer’s hopes of going on to claim a record eighth All England Club crown and 18th major.
“There was a little opening and I took it,” said Raonic who looked down and out in the fourth set.
“It’s a big impact for Canada. Hopefully, it will be even bigger if I win on Sunday.”
After weathering an early storm, Federer had been in complete control of the semi-final, his 10th at the tournament, until the tie turned suddenly and dramatically in the fourth set.
The 34-year-old, bidding to become the oldest finalist in 42 years, squandered three break points in the set and slipped from 40-0 up on serve in the 12th game.
Federer, whose last Grand Slam crown came at Wimbledon in 2012, had already required five sets to get past Marin Cilic in the quarter-finals, saving three match points in the process.
And the effort took its toll on the 17-time major winner in the decider where he needed treatment on his right thigh and jarred his left knee and foot in a worrying fall.
Raonic, nine years his junior, pounced for a 3-1 lead while Federer had to save two more break points in the sixth game.
The Canadian held his nerve and claimed victory when Federer went wide with a weary forehand which condemned the Swiss star to his first loss in a Wimbledon semi-final.
Key facts:
- Federer converted just one of nine break points.
- Raonic finished with 23 aces and 75 winners
- Raonic unleashed fastest serve of the tournament of 144mph (231.7km/h) in the fifth game of first set.
- Federer squandered four set points in the 10th game of the second set, the last of which off a sloppy backhand.
- In a remarkable 12th game of 4th set, Federer was pegged back from 40-0 after serving up back-to-back double faults and Raonic levelled the semi-final on a third set point when the Swiss meekly teed-up an opportunity for the Canadian to pass him.
With AFP inputs