Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer will take on Hubert Hurkacz for a spot in the Wimbledon semifinals on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Canadian Denis Shapovalov battles Karen Khachanov in the quarters.
(6) Roger Federer vs. (14) Hubert Hurkacz
Roger Federer was seeded to take on Daniil Medvedev in the quarters, but Miami Masters champion Hubert Hurkacz had other plans. It’s hard to imagine anyone predicting that the Pole would have such an impressive run at the All-England Club. After coming out of nowhere to win the Miami Masters, Hurkacz won one match in six tournaments coming into this fortnight. Since he got to SW19, he has been on legitimate tear. Going into the fourth round, he hadn’t even dropped serve.
Federer spent the first week at Wimbledon shaking off the rust of a pair of knee surgeries in 2020. He was wobbly in his first-round match against Adrian Mannarino. The Frenchman was forced to retire–an early casualty of the slick-as-ice courts–but not before taking two sets. Federer has gradually been getting better and looked much more himself in his two most recent wins.
No trio in the history of tennis has ever been as solid in the later stages of a tournament as the Big 3. Hurkacz is playing legitimately good grass court tennis right now, but Federer has found his groove at this point. The Swiss is playing on his favorite court at his favorite tournament in front of an adoring crowd. Hurkacz might snag a set or two, but it should be Federer advancing to the semis.
Cheryl pick: Federer in 4
Cheryl pick: Federer in 4
(25) Karen Khachanov vs. (10) Denis Shapovalov
Karen Khachanov comes into the quarterfinals off one of the most bizarre matches in Wimbledon history. The No. 25 seed was in a five-set battle with young American Sebastian Korda when the service breaks started–thirteen of them, to be precise. Korda held for 1-0, and from that moment, the two players traded service breaks in every single game until the American finally held for 8-8. There were 13 service breaks in total, six of which went against eventual winner Khachanov.
The Russian won’t have anywhere near those kinds of break opportunities against Denis Shapovalov. Unlike Korda, the Canadian has a monster first serve. He also comes into the match off an impressive straight-set victory over Roberto Bautista Agut. If Khachanov doesn’t take meticulous care with his own serve, he will find himself back in the locker room in short order.
Shapovalov is in better form and after the notable five-setter with Korda, fatigue may well be a factor for the Russian.
Cheryl pick: Shapovalov in 4
Ricky pick: Shapovalov in 3
Time waits for no one, and today was Roger’s turn. He’s played some good tennis in this tournament, but one of the things age robs you of is consistency, and today wasn’t his day at all. But congrats to Hubert, who I thought played terrific tennis. He will be a very tough match for Berretini.
I never expected Fed to win Wimby so only disappointed for my Bracket that he didnt reach the semis. Ive been looking forward to another Nole Wimby title because Im a fan of his also. Id be happy if any of the others won , though , esp Berretini because I love his game . I do like the purple heart smilie for Roger, though , Id have given him an even better award than that .
Al,
How’s this?
👑🏆
:ok: I think I can see bitemarks in that cup though… 😉
Yeah….To all Roger’s fans..Sooo sorry for Roger’s loss last nite…I’m glad i didn’t watch his 3rd sets…i honestly wanna him win Wimby even tho i knew he won’t…
I always have a soft spot for Roger nowadays…so,it’s hard for me to c him losing like this…All the best Maestro!
Thanks Mira and all the other nice comments.Yes, Fed losing like this is hard to watch.