Roger Federer clinches 100th Wimbledon win after overcoming setback to beat Kei Nishikori

Battle: Roger Federer bounced back from losing the first set to beat Kei Nishikori in four sets.
AP
Joe Krishnan10 July 2019

Roger Federer overcame a setback in the first set to down Kei Nishikori and reach the semi-finals with his 100th victory at Wimbledon.

The 37-year-old lost the opening set after a stunning display from the Japanese but soon found his feet, sealing a 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 victory on Centre Court.

Federer, chasing a record ninth singles title at SW19, knew that Nishikori would provide a tougher test than anyone he had faced so far.

But it's fair to say even the Swiss may have been taken aback by how well the 29-year-old began on Centre Court.

If there were any nerves, they weren't on show as Nishikori secured an unlikely break in the first game before consolidating by holding his serve.

In Pictures | Wimbledon 2019

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The energetic Japanese kept his nerve - and his serve - as Federer struggled for rhythm and he was forced to concede the first set, just like he did against Lloyd Harris in round two.

But Federer, hungry for that ninth Slam at SW19, wasn't ready to give up without a fight as he blew away Nishikori in the second set, storming his way to a double break and 6-1 result.

With the momentum firmly with him, Nishikori had a job on to try and peg him back. After six consecutive holds, however, Federer struck a crucial blow to break the ninth seed's resolve.

The fourth set brought about some fabulous tennis from both players but Federer always had the edge.

The Swiss may have played one of the shots of the tournament, rushing to meet a slice into the corner with an almost impossible reverse backhand pass that left Nishikori puzzled and the crowd up on their feet.

At 4-3 up and 30-30, Nishikori missed a huge chance to steal ahead of Federer. The former world number one would make him pay, going on to break in the 10th game and sealed the win with a ferocious ace.

He will face Rafael Nadal or Sam Querrey in the semi-final as he chases that elusive 21st Grand Slam title. After raising his racket for the century, many would argue he's never been in better shape.

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