Wimbledon 2016: Roger Federer’s dream for eighth title ended in five sets by Milos Raonic
Seven-time SW19 champion defeated by Canadian who becomes first man from his country to reach Grand Slam final
CENTRE COURT may have witnessed the end of a golden era and the blossoming of a new one.
Roger Federer’s heroic efforts to win a record eighth Wimbledon title gave out along with his legs in yet another titanic battle on the little patch of grass he loves more than anywhere else.
Canadian hulk Milos Raonic was finally able to bring down the giant of men’s tennis but only after five more punishing sets eventually took its toll on the old lion.
Federer, 34, was left spreadeagled on the deck and needed the on-course physio twice to patch up each of his aching legs as he fought stubbornly to the death.
Raonic is the first Canadian man to reach a Wimbledon final but more importantly is the first to beat Federer in a semi final. Nobody else managed it in ten previous attempts.
It still took three hours and 25 minutes to finish the job but despite Federer’s insistence that he is still as a fit as a fiddle, time may just be catching up on him at last.
He is neck and neck with Pete Sampras on seven titles at SW19 and surely another is beyond him now?
Raonic won the first set then lost the next two when even his big booming serves of 143mph could not frighten fearless Fed.
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Tie breaks, breathtaking rallies and incredible stamina and athleticism underlined a classic match which finished 6-3 7-6 4-6 7-5 6-3.
Ten sets proved just one too many for Federer and the light is fading on him now but the spotlight is turning onto a new star in Raonic.
He is coached by legend John McEnroe and lost to Andy Murray in the final of Queens just a few weeks ago to confirm he is a contender on grass.
He said: “It was an incredible comeback for me. I was struggling in the third and fourth sets. He was playing some great tennis but I got a little opening and I managed to finish off a great match.
“My folks were here watching. They may have looked calm but they weren’t. They will have to go and have a little nap now and so will I. I have to give myself a chance to win my first final.
“John told me to leave nothing out there on the court and his experience of winning Grand Slams is invaluable.”
Raonic, 25, had never beaten Federer on the green stuff before and was 9-2 down in their head-to-head meetings before this match.
They met in the 2012 semi final at SW19 which Federer won on his way to his most recent Grand Slam triumph.
Raonic has now nicked one back but it could well be the most important one of them all and the one which finally puts Federer out to grass himself.
At 6ft 5in he is equipped to deal with anything the big guns can throw at him on court physically and mentally too.
He said: “I haven’t won anything yet. I have to stay focused and keep my eye line on this.”