Wimbledon SF previews and picks: Djokovic vs. Dimitrov, Federer vs. Raonic

July 4, 2014 Ricky Match previews 273

Djoker 3Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have gone by the wayside, leaving Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer as the two favorites heading into semifinal Friday at Wimbledon. Djokovic is going up against Grigor Dimitrov, while Federer is facing Milos Raonic.

(1) Novak Djokovic vs. (11) Grigor Dimitrov

Djokovic and Dimitrov will be facing each other for the fifth time in their careers when they collide in the Wimbledon semifinals on Friday afternoon. Dimitrov stunned Djokovic 7-6(6), 6-7(8), 6-3 on the clay courts of Madrid last spring, but their other three encounters have been mostly straightforward affairs in the Serb’s favor. Djokovic improved his head-to-head series lead with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 blowout at last year’s French Open.

Dimitrov contested his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at this season’s Australian Open and he is now making his debut semifinal appearance at a major. The in-form Bulgarian is 35-9 for his 2014 campaign following wins this fortnight over Ryan Harrison, Luke Saville, Alexandr Dolgopolov, Leonardo Mayer, and defending champion Andy Murray. Djokovic got past Andrey Golubev, Radek Stepanek, Gilles Simon, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga before needing five sets to beat Marin Cilic on Wednesday. The world No. 2 has not been dominant of late, but this should be a decent matchup for him. These two players are similar in their incredible athleticism and ability to turn defense into offense. The problem for Dimitrov is that Djokovic can do everything he can do while doing all of it better–and, of course, with more experience on the final weekend of majors.

Pick: Djokovic in 3

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(4) Roger Federer vs. (8) Milos Raonic

It all seems to be falling into place for Federer, who is looking like a completely different man from the Federer of last summer who lost in the second round of Wimbledon and the fourth round of the U.S. Open. Most importantly, he is simply playing stellar grass-court tennis. The 17-time Grand Slam champion captured the Halle title and so far at the All-England Club he has taken out Paolo Lorenzi, Gilles Muller, Santiago Giraldo, Tommy Robredo, and Stanislas Wawrinka. Now he is running into Raonic instead of nemesis Rafael Nadal, who bowed out to Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round.

Federer leads the head-to-head series 4-0, but in each of their first three meetings he dropped the opening set before winning the next two. They most recently squared off at the 2013 Australian Open, where Federer cruised 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2. Their only previous grass-court clash saw the former world No. 1 prevail 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3) in the 2012 Halle quarterfinals. Like Dimitrov, Raonic made it to his first-ever slam quarterfinal earlier this year (French Open) and is now into a semifinal for the first time. The eighth-seeded Canadian booked such a spot by defeating Matthew Ebden, Jack Sock, Lukasz Kubot, Kei Nishikori, and Kyrgios. This is a considerable step up in both competition and pressure, so it remains to be seen how the underdog will handle the occasion. Raonic’s only hope, of course, is to serve incredibly well and take the match out of Federer’s hands.

Pick: Federer in 4

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273 Comments on Wimbledon SF previews and picks: Djokovic vs. Dimitrov, Federer vs. Raonic

  1. i would like to agree with the picks above, but I also believe that either or both could end up as upsets.
    I would give both Raonic and Dimi a 40% chance to make it to the finals.

    Reply

  3. Wimbledon is to Federer what Roland Garros is to Rafa. The stars have been aligned.
    Raonic could take it to five sets but Roger will prevail.
    Federer in 5

    I think there is a greater chance for Dimitrov to pull off an upset. His ruthless demolition of an out of sorts Murray was an eye-opener. Djokovic has shown signs of chinks in his armour and has been severely rattled during several of his matches. He will raise his level for this match but If Dimitrov holds his nerve and can jump on the opportunities when they are presented he could get to his first Slam final.
    Dimitrov in 5

    Reply

    • I dont think Dimi can pull off an upset in 5..fat chance. If he has to do it, needs to be earlier within 3 or 4. Djokovic becomes stronger as match progresses.

      If Fed wins a slam without having to beat Rafa, Novak or Andy..it will be the height of luck 🙂

      Reply

      • Like Roland Garros in 2009!!!!!!!!!!!

        His toughest opposition was del Potro in the SF – who took his revenge a few weeks later 🙂

        You’re right of course. Djokovic goes for broke when his back is really against the wall.
        For whatever reason I just have the sense he is not at his best right now but equally we don’t know how Dimitrov will cope with the extra pressure.

        Hopefully both SFs will be good matches. To date most of the marquee matches have been pretty disappointing.

        Reply

      • I will be very disappointed if Fed wins a slam without having to beat Rafa, Novak or Andy. Its not his fault, he will play whoever he has to, but that will mean height of lucking out. It cannot come and should not come that easy to anyone.

        Rafa has not won a single slam where he had to beat neither of the 3 except RG 2010 but then no one beats him in RG anyway, so it does not matter.

        Reply

      • RG 2009 was enough of luck for a momentous milestone of having the career grand slam. Cant luck out again for No 18.

        Reply

    • But Rafa has never lucked out at RG ed. He is too good for everyone there

      Fed at Wimby is not as dominant as Rafa is at RG, he does not beat anyone in front of him come what may. He has lost to Berdy, Tsonga, Sergy after 2003 in addition to Rafa

      Reply

  4. I think Dimitrov will take at least a set. Not sure he has what it takes yet to beat Novak in a best of five set match in his first Grand Slam semi-final though. I’d say Djokovic in 5 and then Federer in 4 for the second semi-final.

    Reply

  5. I hope Dimitrov doesn’t collapse like he did at RG last year after beating Djoker in Madrid. I just have a feeling that the title is Roger’s.

    Reply

  6. RT ‏@NickKyrgios Unfortunately due to a hip issue & tiredness I am not playing in @TennisHalloFame in Newport but thanks for the WC offer guys & good luck!”

    Probably scoured the entry list and saw there was no Nadal and decided to give it a miss. 🙂

    #OnlyTurnUpForRafaCrowd

    Reply

  9. Dimi is totally flat today

    nadline – You think Roger beats Novak for title? Novak will be devastated if he loses another final in a GS

    Reply

  13. Nole doing enough to win against a nervy BabyFed.

    Nole is tight himself. He’ll be even tighter vs Fed which was the case the last time they met at Winbly two years ago.

    #BetweenTheEars
    #DejaVuAllOverAgain

    Reply

  22. It’s the Dimi slice, hahahaha! Djokovic cannot handle slices. If Baby Fed has any brains he will rinse and repeat……..

    Reply

  25. I still dont think Novak will lose to Roger in best of 5 in a GS final. You guys really think Novak will fold in straights and that Roger can outlast Novak in best of 5?

    Reply

  31. C’mon @augusta, where are the racy Rafa-at-the-beach pictures? Definitely more interesting than this…………..

    Reply

  34. “bugging out his eyes and expanding his jaw yet” LOL

    … the wind doesn’t touch Fed if he so wishes, BG should know that by now.
    (and if it gets to windy they’ll close down the roof anyway)

    Reply

  39. just had a look at it.. so, it does seem that weariness played a big part in the match (Kyrgios-Raonic), thx (but I still think that if Raonic hadn’t served as well as he did Kyrgios’ legs would probably have felt lighter)… pitty Rafa couldn’t take it to a 5th set 🙁

    Reply

    • @Shireling, Djokovic is showing signs of irritation, throwing his racquet in the air, grimacing, injecting drama in his falls i.e. the usual Djoko stuff.

      Reply

  53. Hehe, nice picture hawkeye,
    If that happens during Fed’s game notice the few cms between him and the lawn
    #DivineLevitationTechnique

    Reply

    • 🙁 He would have won the title I am telling you all ! Pretty meaningless to say this now but I really believed 🙁

      Reply

      • Yeah golden opportunity lost. Only has himself to blame. Wish he was a bit more aggressive in that 4th round and not that fearful of that big hitter

        Reply

  63. Good that Novak is in the final. Atleast no cake walk for Fed. If Fed wins beating Novak, we gott hand it to him.

    However Novaks performance was subpar today. Rafa really lost out on a golden opportunity

    Reply

  64. C’mon guys, who wouldn’t choke? In all earnest Dimi has exceeded expectations here, he’s a future Wimby champion imho

    Reply

    • yeah..he has succeeded federer in this department. Mighty consistent. The only diff is that he stumbles at the final hurdle and that is what has kept him from joining the Fedal league

      Reply

  67. djokovic will lose another final if it’s fed who wins the second semi. This wimby is on fed’s racket now.

    Normally I am good at getting over Rafa’s losses but this one is haunting me so badly. Rafa would have beaten fed and then novak in the final esp given that novak has looked shaky and rafa had started playing very well from the baseline

    Reply

    • @vamosrafa,

      I feel exactly the same way. Rafa lost a golden opportunity to gain a big chunk of points and hold onto the #1 ranking. He would have handled Raonic and then beaten Fed. Rafa was showing some really good form. I thought he had a real shot to win it.

      However, I am not as sure as you that Novak will lose to Fed. Novak has real motivation to stop his losing streak in slam finals. So I expect him to come out playing great. Of course, we know what Fed’s motivation would be – that 8th title and 18th slam. Fed knows that there may well never be another opportunity to do it.

      It should be a good match.

      Reply

  81. I am backing Federer with all my heart to take the title. Needs must, so that My boy can keep his #1 ranking.

    Reply

  83. “Considering I have lost the last couple of Grand Slam finals – and I could have won them all – I’m looking forward to it,” Djokovic told BBC television.

    It was actually three Novak and five of the last six.

    (soon to be four and six of the last seven)

    #FireBB

    Reply

    • ^^This is what @Sanju admires about Djokovic, his confidence. I call it delusional hubris. He could have won them all? Which ones?

      Now I am rooting for Fed.

      Allez Fed!

      Reply

      • I dont call that statement confidence at all. It was not facing facts. Apart from USO 2012, none of those 5 even went to 5 sets. How could he claim to have won them?

        Reply

  87. I decided to go for a walk this morning rather than listen to Djoker’s interview because I knew he would annoy me. He lost Wimbledon ’13 in 3, the USO ’13 in 4, AO14 in the SF, RG’14 in 4 and he thinks he could have won them all.

    Reply

  89. Does Raonic have any game apart from a serve. He cant put a ball in the court apart from serve, footwork pathetic, volleys pathetic, movement pathetic, backhand bad

    Reply

  91. Well, this match is an oldl school serve fest. Not that Federer is a big server like raonic, but he still finishes his service games quickly most of the time.

    Reply

  92. Federer looks old, he is playing like an old man and Raonic cannot make an impression. Instead, we are being treated to the sight of Fed toying with Raonic………..

    Surely I would have thought the game plan for Raonic would have been to move Fed’s tired, old bones??

    Reply

  98. I’m going to watch my recoding of Rafa vs Kukushkin insread. That must be better than this dirge of a match. Raonic has a long way to go.

    Reply

  99. Why can’t Raonic hit a passing shot? He seems clueless when Fed approaches the net…

    What a shame, what a shame……..

    Reply

    • I really feel you all are either overhyping Fed or under estimating Djoko.
      I dont think it will be that easy.It will be 50:50. It can go either way.

      Atleast we are assured of a good competitive final between 2 top players unlike this crap 2nd semi.

      Reply

      • Djoker has not been playing that well, he’s been getting by with his game so far, but Fed will not let him get away with it, because Fed can see Rafa in his rear view mirror indicating to pass his slam count.

        Reply

  106. In all fairness, Raonic should never have been in the semi in the first place. He is here because of the luck of the draw. He is s nice young man, I like him very much but he is not yet “there”. Same with Dimitrov, Nishikori, and whoever else the Federazzi want to hype as the new generation.

    Geez, Raonic is making this old geezer look like a spring chicken…………

    Even the commies just said it: Raonic’s best is not good enough……

    Reply

    • Yep. I really don’t expect Raonic nor any of the young guns to win a major over the next two years. Anything more would be premature IMO. Never said otherwise.

      I believe that we are in for another weak era.

      #Cycles

      Reply

      • ^^ I think so, too. I think we’re in for a period where there will be many very good players, but none that are great. And the landscape will be full of big servers. My tennis viewing hours will be dropping dramatically.

        Reply

    • Dimitrov has clearly improved the best of the lot esp in last 8-10 months. He has won 4 titles, reached QF of AO, semis of Wimby.

      Ivan has played Fed a lot, is his friend. What strategy did he send Milos with on court?

      Reply

      • @Sanju, you are judging Dimitrov on a win against a below par Muzza. He could not even beat a clearly sub-par Novak…………

        They are all useless………..

        Reply

  107. @RITB
    Why would he want to train with Kyrgios? The only possible reason is to practice returning big serves, but he’s ok at that already…..

    Reply

    • *doing the blushings*

      Well, well @hawkeye63, you and I have extra-terrestrial intelligence. We “know” stuff………

      #TheTruthIsOutThere

      Reply

  109. @Sanju, when is this karma you always speak of going to strike? I am fed up of Rafa drawing the short end of the stick all the time………………..

    Reply

  112. This is a travesty. Rafa has a lot of ‘splainin’ to do………….

    He HAS to come back strong to save tennis.

    Reply

  120. I must say, if anyone had told me, 2 weeks ago, that Fed was in pole position for another Slam I would have laughed in their face.

    Not laughing now………….

    Reply

  121. My only consolation is that another loss in a Slam final will sap Djoker’s confidence further……….

    C’mon Rafa!

    Reply

  122. I’m going with Novak. It doesn’t bother me that Rafa will lose the #1 ranking. Rafa and Novak are more than likely going to see-saw back and forth with that in the next few years anyway, depending on the time of year. As long as they’re one/two or two/one, it makes no difference in tournaments. Novak’s had some real soul-crushing losses in the last few years and he’s been gracious in defeat. I’ll give him this one as a wedding gift.
    The media will be unbearable if Roger wins.

    Reply

    • @jpacnw,

      I agree with you. Even though it would mean losing the #1 ranking, I would prefer Novak finally stop his losing streak in slam finals over Fed getting his 8th Wimbledon title and 18th slam. I want Rafa to stay close and have a shot at tying or exceeding his slam count.

      Other than that, it won’t really matter. I probably will watch. But I will be thinking all the time that Rafa should have been there.

      Reply

      • All the way supporting Nole here and him for the win. I too dont care if No 1 is lost , it makes no real difference. However if Fed gets No 18, it will mean Rafa has to stay on top for another 2-3 years to catch upto 4-5 slams. Ofcourse the delusional Rafa hating Fed fans will be unbearable if Fed winsand that is the primary reason I never/dont support Fed

        Reply

    • jpacnw ( at 5:54 pm),
      —The media will be unbearable if Roger wins—

      Money (in the bank accounts) talks. Don’t read (& listen to) the media for a while!

      Reply

  123. Impressive from FED!!
    How well he moves on Grass, Nole is bit off in that department.

    Still wondering how RAFA lost against these big hitters?

    Reply

  124. On the other hand, would give me great satisfaction to see Novak unleash his vulgar, primal screaming, shirt-ripping triumphalism in Fed’s face……..

    Reply

  127. Raonic. People need to stop feeding him false hope. He is not even in the Ferru/Berdy/Wawa grouping yet.

    Reply

  128. Kyrgios. The less said the better. Whatever happened to that other Australian who was supposed to be the next big thing, Tomic?

    Reply

  129. Raonic doesn’t play tennis, he serves and when he is behind, his serve deserts him. If he thinks he is on his way to #1 anytime soon, he’ll have a rude awakening. He needs to get real.

    Reply

    • What makes you think he thinks he is on his way to #1 anytime soon or ever for that matter.

      It’s one of his stated career goal. At this point in his career given his current age and ranking, if it isn’t a goal, he wouldn’t be where he is now and should question his priorities.

      Reply

    • You said he needs to get real when nowhere has he said he thinks he’ll be No. 1 soon.

      I respectfully disagreed.

      Please calm down nadline. How is that “thin skinned”?

      Reply

  130. Fed gets praised when he pollutes the air, so they can’t herald him any more if he wins his 18th slam. Just imagine if he had the looks as well.

    Reply

    • Hahahaha! “Just imagine if he had the looks as well”!

      OMG, perish the thought………..

      Unlike that olive-skinned, rumbustious, 6 foot 1 (not you @hawkeye63) Mallorcan honey…..

      Reply

  137. @hawkeye,

    I was going to reply to you, but I think all of your posts are great, especially the one @ 7:52pm and 7:57 pm!

    You are really on fire today!

    Reply

    • Thanks nny. I know you’ve been there.

      I just like to have a chuckle when told how to be the right kind of fan and who is a good fan and who isn’t.

      Again, I’m not here to seek approval from anyone but I do enjoy discussing the game and the commraderie from all of the tennis fans here from both ends of the spectrum.

      Reply

  138. Disappointing results. I was hoping Dimitrov and Raonic would be able to defeat Djokovic or Federer, at least one of them. As much as I dislike Federer now, I still would root for him over Djorkovic, it’s not about Rafa retaining his number 1, I just don’t want Djorkovic to win any more slam.

    Reply

  139. I must say, the very idea of Novak losing to Rafa at RG and then following it up with a loss to Fed at Wimby is a mouth watering prospect………..

    Allez Fed!!

    *evil grin*

    Reply

  140. Hahah, this is why they are all lining up to have a pop at Rafa! A fluke beating of him and you become a star, the world becomes your oyster!

    “Rafael Nadal win means world is Nick Kyrgios’ oyster, says celebrity agent Max Markson”

    The world is Nick Kyrgios’ oyster after his sensational Wimbledon victory over world No.1 Rafael Nadal looks set to open the door to million-dollar contracts, says celebrity agent Max Markson.”

    Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/rafael-nadal-win-means-world-is-nick-kyrgios-oyster-says-celebrity-agent-max-markson-20140702-zstoj.html#ixzz36Z9QmBCG

    Note: Kyrgios now has the world as his oyster, we are told, not because he reached the Wimby quarters, but because he beat Rafael Nadal.

    Honestly, Rafa should fire Carlos Costa, his agent, if he does not ensure Rafa gets a cut of all these wannabe’s earnings from the fame they get from beating him.

    Reply

  141. I am suddenly feeling mjor withdrawal symptoms and feeling very bad that Rafa is not contesting tomorrow. Why Rafa Why were you not a bit more aggressive in your 4th round

    Reply

    • @Sanju,

      I feel the same way. Thanks again for your honesty and keeping it real. It’s good to know that I am not alone in my feelings.

      Reply

  143. Rafa is a money spinner and it’s hard for him to keep fighting these battles with people with so much to gain by defeating him. No other player in tennis history has been this great.

    Vamos Rafa

    You are simply the best.

    Reply

  144. hawkeye, over-hydration can be dangerous.

    I’m sure we can carry on our banter without a lynch mob on the side. <3

    Reply

    • I’m fine either way nadline. I’ve certainly never hesitated to join lively discussions!

      Besides, I need all the help I can get keeping up with you nadline, 🙂

      Reply

  145. So who do yo guys think wants this more? Or rather who will be more pained at losing and will be affected more?

    I think the match will be way too nervy and will feature tons of errors.

    What is the weather forecast for tomm? If roof is closed (which I am sure Fed is hoping for), it will be clear advantage to him

    What does our Fed fan abhirf feel abuut tomm match?

    Reply

    • @Sanju,

      Going by the way these 2 have played in their matches so far, I will give the edge to Fed. Nole is still troublesome against that slice to both his sides also he is sliding too much this year. I think Fed can exploit those 2 areas pretty well. Fed can draw Nole in the forecourt with those slices and drop shots and we know that Nole is more comfortable playing from the baseline rather than at the nets.
      For Nole, the key would be to stretch Roger in his service games as Fed has the tendency of getting over his service games in the blink of an eye. Nole will also have to hope that Fed’s FH is off during the match, coz if Roger’s FH starts clicking he will start dictating the play and Nole would have to succumb to defending. Nole will try to make the match as physical as possible. Also he will have to be straight out of the block from the start. He can’t afford to lose 1st set here, as Roger will become more relaxed and calm and start playing much better.
      The only thing that worries me is : Will Roger be able to close it out? He has shown nerves in his previous matches whilst closing out the matches. He can’t afford that today as we all know how good Nole is coming from being Set pts/Match pts down.

      Overall, I think the chances of winner will be – Fed:Nole :: 60:40 (only because it’s grass)

      Reply

    • Whatever be the result, I would be happy as well as sad.
      I really wan’t Fed to win his 8th Wimby crown! Can’t stand him losing now.
      Also I don’t want Nole to lose another major final as it can really dismantle him.
      But I do like Roger much more than Nole, so would be very much happy if he can add another feather in his cap here.
      Hoping for a Roger’s win.

      #8

      Reply

  147. My God Kvitova was crushing it like anything. Unplayable. Congrats Kvitivoa

    Bouchard will take a lot from this match surely. She was tactically too inflexible to not stand a bit behind the baseline and adjust rather than on it when Petra was hitting it really deep all the match

    Reply

    • Haha..Wimby is what I am talking about 😉

      And its about Novak following Petra not the reverse :-)..After all ladies final follows mens, Petra cannot follow Novak anyway 🙂

      Reply

  150. Ben Rothenberg ‏@BenRothenberg ·17 mins
    Aside from everything else, Petra Kvitova is also the first player in WTA history to successfully recover from Radek Stepanek… #Wimbledon

    LOL

    Reply

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