Federer Rolls Over Murray to Set Up Wimbledon Final Rematch
Seven-time champion Roger Federer rolled into the Wimbledon final on Friday, downing third-seed Andy Murray 7-5, 7-5, 6-4 to set up a rematch of last year’s final against world number one Novak Djokovic.
Federer seemed to raise his level during the most important points. The first set was on serve through the first 11 games, but with the score 6-5 in Federer’s favor, the Swiss broke through. He gained a 40-15 on Murray’s serve, and converted on his second set point chance to close out the opener.
The second set was eerily similar to the first, as both players exchanged holds. At 5-4, the two engaged in one of the best games of the tournament. Federer build a 40-0 advantage on the Scot’s serve, but Murray fought back to deuce. The two would go back to deuce numerous times afterwards, with Murray finally gaining the hold with an ace after 14 minutes.
Despite evening the set, Murray’s momentum would quickly evaporate. Federer calmly held at love in the following game, and then broke to close out the set.
In the third, both players traded holds to bring the match to 5-4 in Federer’s favor. That is when the Swiss broke through again, jumping on his first match point chance to break Murray and set up a rematch of the 2014 Wimbledon final.
“Andy’s been playing very well for the season. There is so much expectation riding on the match,” said Federer. “I’m unbelievably happy. I played so well in the biggest occasion today. I’ve been serving very well for the entire tournament. I wasn’t broken against one of the best returners. I kept the pressure up and went for my shots. I mixed it up like I usually do and kept pushing forward and staying focused. It all worked out really well.”
Federer hit 56 winners to just 11 unforced errors and won a remarkable 77 percent of his service points.
“He served fantastic, apart from the first game where I had the chance there, I didn’t really have any opportunities,” said Murray. “That puts the pressure on you. The pressure builds throughout the set that way. Obviously I got broken right at the end of all of the sets. But I didn’t actually play a bad match.”
Murray didn’t play a bad match. He hit 35 winners to just 17 unforced errors but the difference came in the break point department, as Federer won three while Murray failed to convert on his only opportunity.
The win sets up a dream matchup in the final, as Federer will take on the top-seed Novak Djokovic.
The Serb won last year’s final over Federer in an epic 6-7(7), 6-4, 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-4 contest. Federer hopes to flip that script on Sunday.
“Novak’s been the best player for a few years now,” said Federer. “He’s made it extremely difficult for the guys to win big tournaments … I know how I can beat him, but this is a different occasion. We’ve both been there before. I really hope I can get this one on Sunday.”
