Federer eyes 100th Wimbledon win and Nadal showdown

LONDON: Roger Federer can rack up his 100th win at Wimbledon on Wednesday (today) and set-up a blockbuster semi-final against Rafael Nadal.

In a quarter-final line-up which features five players over 30, there is a growing anticipation of a potential 40th career match-up between the sport’s two most successful players. If it does happen, it will be their first at the All England Club since 2008 when Nadal triumphed in what is widely regarded as the greatest final ever played at the tournament.

However, before they reach that stage, eight-time champion Federer has to get past Kei Nishikori while Nadal, a two-time winner, tackles big-hitting Sam Querrey. Whoever battles through that side of the draw is likely to find defending champion and four-time winner Novak Djokovic waiting in the final.

At 37, Federer is the oldest quarter-finalist since Jimmy Connors in 1991. He reached his 17th quarter-final at the All England Club — and 55th at the majors — with a 74-minute demolition of Italy’s Matteo Berrettini, dropping just five games.

Between them, Federer, Nadal and Djokovic lost only 19 games in their fourth-round ties and faced just one break point. “I think the best guys now are fully engaged, they know exactly what to expect from the court and the conditions,” said second seed Federer.

“That helps us to play better. I think with experience, that’s good. We haven’t dropped much energy in any way.” Federer will take a 7-3 record over seventh-seeded Nishikori into his quarter-final.

Nishikori defeated the great Swiss in the ATP Finals last year, ending a drought which had stretched to almost five years. “I’m a big fan of his game,” said Federer of the Japanese star, who is into his second successive quarter-final at Wimbledon.

“I think he’s got one of the best backhands in the game. He’s a great return player. Solid mentally. I always thought he was a great talent.” Nadal, playing in his seventh Wimbledon quarter-final, faces Querrey backed up by a 4-1 record over the 65th-ranked American.