Roger&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;has undergone surgery to resolve a longstanding knee problem and said Thursday he would be out of action until after the French Open while his rivals backed the 38-year-old to return as strong as ever.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../tennis-federer-nadal-play-to-record-crowd-in- cape-town-279367">Tennis: Federer, Nadal play to record crowd in Cape Town</a>

The 20-times Grand Slam winner revealed on his Facebook account that he underwent surgery in Switzerland on Wednesday and would miss a string of tournaments including the May 24-June 7 French Open.

"As a result, I will miss Dubai, Indian Wells, Bogota, Miami and the French Open," he said.

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Federer, who has amassed 103 career titles, explained that he had intended to avoid surgery if possible but the problem in his right knee refused to go away.

He will now target a return for the grass-court season and an assault on a ninth Wimbledon title after reaching the final in 2019 where he had two championship points before losing an epic final to Novak Djokovic.

"My right knee has been bothering me for a little while," added the world number three who reached the Roland Garros semi-finals last year.

"I hoped it would go away, but after an examination and discussion with my team, I decided to have arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland yesterday."

"After the surgery, the doctors confirmed that it was the right thing to have done and are very confident of a full recovery.

"I can't wait to be back playing again soon -- see you on the grass."

Federer, French Open champion back in 2009, will miss Roland Garros for the fourth time in five seasons.

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His absence from Paris means his great rival Rafael Nadal, the 12-time champion, can draw level with the Swiss on 20 majors.

Federer&nbsp;also underwent surgery on his left knee in February 2016 which allowed him just seven tournaments that season.

However, that surgery-enforced absence eventually paid dividends with another Australian Open title and then Wimbledon six months later.

He has only played one tournament in 2020, making the semi-finals of the Australian Open where he was defeated again by eventual champion Djokovic.

His last appearance on a court was an exhibition event in Cape Town earlier this month where his charity match with Nadal was played in front of 50,000 spectators, a world record for a tennis event.

This year's Wimbledon runs from June 29-July 12 with the Tokyo Olympics tennis event following from July 25-August 2.

Federer&nbsp;has yet to win a singles gold medal at the Games.

He was a silver medallist in London 2012 while, four years earlier in Beijing, he won the doubles title with Swiss teammate Stan Wawrinka.

Federer's decision to skip the French Open was met with understanding by organisers.

"We are disappointed not to see&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;again," tournament director Guy Forget told France Info.&nbsp;

"If he had taken this decision, then it was the wisest."

Russian world number five Daniil Medvedev said it was sad to see&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;forced to sit out the US hardcourt and European clay-court seasons.

"The news shocked me. I didn't know he was going to have an operation," &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; said Medvedev who is the top seed at the ongoing Marseille ATP event this week.

"It's a little sad for him in the sense that he misses tournaments when he is still playing well. I'm sure he's going to come back well at the grass-court season.

Fellow veteran Gilles Simon, who played&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;for the first time 12 years ago, said the great Swiss will be a serious contender on his return.

"The last time it was hard but he still won the Australian Open in his stride after not playing for nine months!" said the 35-year-old Simon.&nbsp;

"There's nothing else to say. We'll wait and see."

Roger Federer has undergone surgery to resolve a longstanding knee problem and said Thursday he would be out of action until after the French Open while his rivals backed the 38-year-old to return as strong as ever.

Roger Federer has undergone surgery to resolve a longstanding knee problem and said Thursday he would be out of action until after the French Open while his rivals backed the 38-year-old to return as strong as ever. Also read: Tennis: Federer, Nadal play to record crowd in Cape Town The 20-times Grand Slam winner revealed on his Facebook account that he underwent surgery in Switzerland on Wednesday and would miss a string of tournaments including the May 24-June 7 French Open. "As a result, I will miss Dubai, Indian Wells, Bogota, Miami and the French Open," he said. pic.twitter.com/VVGI1o8XYZ — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 20, 2020 × Federer, who has amassed 103 career titles, explained that he had intended to avoid surgery if possible but the problem in his right knee refused to go away. He will now target a return for the grass-court season and an assault on a ninth Wimbledon title after reaching the final in 2019 where he had two championship points before losing an epic final to Novak Djokovic. "My right knee has been bothering me for a little while," added the world number three who reached the Roland Garros semi-finals last year. "I hoped it would go away, but after an examination and discussion with my team, I decided to have arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland yesterday." "After the surgery, the doctors confirmed that it was the right thing to have done and are very confident of a full recovery. "I can't wait to be back playing again soon -- see you on the grass." Federer, French Open champion back in 2009, will miss Roland Garros for the fourth time in five seasons. 🤹‍♂️🥁🚀🏟 Speechless 😶 pic.twitter.com/oI3YSR7eLd — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 7, 2020 × His absence from Paris means his great rival Rafael Nadal, the 12-time champion, can draw level with the Swiss on 20 majors. Federer also underwent surgery on his left knee in February 2016 which allowed him just seven tournaments that season. However, that surgery-enforced absence eventually paid dividends with another Australian Open title and then Wimbledon six months later. He has only played one tournament in 2020, making the semi-finals of the Australian Open where he was defeated again by eventual champion Djokovic. His last appearance on a court was an exhibition event in Cape Town earlier this month where his charity match with Nadal was played in front of 50,000 spectators, a world record for a tennis event. This year's Wimbledon runs from June 29-July 12 with the Tokyo Olympics tennis event following from July 25-August 2. Federer has yet to win a singles gold medal at the Games. He was a silver medallist in London 2012 while, four years earlier in Beijing, he won the doubles title with Swiss teammate Stan Wawrinka. Federer's decision to skip the French Open was met with understanding by organisers. "We are disappointed not to see Roger again," tournament director Guy Forget told France Info. "If he had taken this decision, then it was the wisest." Russian world number five Daniil Medvedev said it was sad to see Federer forced to sit out the US hardcourt and European clay-court seasons. "The news shocked me. I didn't know he was going to have an operation," said Medvedev who is the top seed at the ongoing Marseille ATP event this week. "It's a little sad for him in the sense that he misses tournaments when he is still playing well. I'm sure he's going to come back well at the grass-court season. Fellow veteran Gilles Simon, who played Federer for the first time 12 years ago, said the great Swiss will be a serious contender on his return. "The last time it was hard but he still won the Australian Open in his stride after not playing for nine months!" said the 35-year-old Simon. "There's nothing else to say. We'll wait and see."

Roger Federer targets Wimbledon after knee surgery blow

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../tennis-djokovic-has-world-number-one-nadal- in-his-sights-at-london-finale-260669">Robert Farah</a>, the world number one doubles player, and a former Wimbledon doubles Champion will miss the Australian Open after testing positive in a dope test.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-hazardous-air-condition-causes-troubles-to-players-in-the-qualifiers-274250">Australian Open: Hazardous air condition delays matches, restarts amid haze</a>

'Boldenone' was found in his body system.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-wada-report-shows-jump-in-global-doping-cases-269293">New WADA report shows jump in global doping cases</a>

He expressed his disappointment on his social media accounts which read "I'm going through one of the saddest moments of my life and, without a doubt, the saddest of my sporting career,".

This came in after another South American player, Chile's Nicolas Jarry, was tested positive for banned substances at the Davis Cup in November. He was suspended by International Tennis Federation.

The 24-year-old's sample showed traces of Ligandrol and Stanozolol running in his system.

Boldenone is a veterinary drug used by farmers in Colombia to boost the growth of cows, and treat horses. But it is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The drug is commonly used in doping during bodybuilding.

In 2018, the Colombian Olympic Committee (COC) had raised the warning to its athletes regarding the consumption of beef.&nbsp;

The COC told the athletes about the presence of Boldenone in the beef.

Robert Farrah was tested two weeks earlier in Shanghai but that sample was negative. He said he was tested more than 15 times throughout the year.

Robert was training in Los Angeles for the Australian Open where he said: "With my team and a group of advisers we're looking into the steps to take in a process in which we hope to show that I've never used any products that violate fair play and ethics,".

He and fellow Colombian Juan Sebastian Cabal won the prestigious Wimbledon and US Grand Slam US Open's doubles titles last year. They were even the runners-up at the Australian Open in 2018.

&nbsp;The 32-year-old is also a two-time Grand Slam mixed doubles finalist with his German partner Anna-Lena Groenefeld. 
&nbsp;

Robert Farah, the world number one doubles player, and a former Wimbledon doubles Champion will miss the Australian Open after testing positive in a dope test. Also read: Australian Open: Hazardous air condition delays matches, restarts amid haze 'Boldenone' was found in his body system.

Robert Farah, the world number one doubles player, and a former Wimbledon doubles Champion will miss the Australian Open after testing positive in a dope test. Also read: Australian Open: Hazardous air condition delays matches, restarts amid haze 'Boldenone' was found in his body system. Also read: New WADA report shows jump in global doping cases He expressed his disappointment on his social media accounts which read "I'm going through one of the saddest moments of my life and, without a doubt, the saddest of my sporting career,". This came in after another South American player, Chile's Nicolas Jarry, was tested positive for banned substances at the Davis Cup in November. He was suspended by International Tennis Federation. The 24-year-old's sample showed traces of Ligandrol and Stanozolol running in his system. Boldenone is a veterinary drug used by farmers in Colombia to boost the growth of cows, and treat horses. But it is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The drug is commonly used in doping during bodybuilding. In 2018, the Colombian Olympic Committee (COC) had raised the warning to its athletes regarding the consumption of beef. The COC told the athletes about the presence of Boldenone in the beef. Robert Farrah was tested two weeks earlier in Shanghai but that sample was negative. He said he was tested more than 15 times throughout the year. Robert was training in Los Angeles for the Australian Open where he said: "With my team and a group of advisers we're looking into the steps to take in a process in which we hope to show that I've never used any products that violate fair play and ethics,". He and fellow Colombian Juan Sebastian Cabal won the prestigious Wimbledon and US Grand Slam US Open's doubles titles last year. They were even the runners-up at the Australian Open in 2018. The 32-year-old is also a two-time Grand Slam mixed doubles finalist with his German partner Anna-Lena Groenefeld.

World No 1 Men's doubles player Robert Farah out of Australian Open after failing dope test

Simona Halep said that winning her first Wimbledon title this year meant "everything", but she was determined to have a better Asian swing than in past years after an emphatic start to her Wuhan campaign on Tuesday.

Halep suffered opening-round exits in three of her previous five appearances at the Chinese event -– including the last two seasons –- but was dominant in a 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Wimbledon semi-finalist Barbora Strycova to reach the last 16.

A solid contender for clinching one of the six remaining spots in the WTA Finals in Shenzhen, sixth-ranked Halep also has a shot at finishing the year as world number one for a third consecutive time with a strong finish to the season in Asia.

"Very, very tough goals honestly After winning Wimbledon, I was a little bit let's say more relaxed in results, making big results. But I'm still motivated. I'm working hard," said the fourth seed, who next faces Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina for a place in the quarter-finals.

"For this period I just want to be better because every year I promised myself that I will do the best I can, and I couldn't for different reasons.&nbsp;

"Now I feel healthy, I feel motivated, I feel fresh. I just want to go there and win every match I play."

Halep recently announced she will be reuniting with coach Darren Cahill from the start of 2020 and the Romanian is convinced they can pick up where they left off last year when the Australian helped her win a maiden Grand Slam title at the 2018 French Open.

"I'm really happy and I feel confident that next year I can do some good things again," she said. &nbsp;

Halep skipped past Strycova in just 85 minutes on Tuesday, benefiting from her opponent's 30 unforced errors.

Simona Halep said that winning her first Wimbledon title this year meant "everything", but she was determined to have a better Asian swing than in past years after an emphatic start to her Wuhan campaign on Tuesday.

Simona Halep said that winning her first Wimbledon title this year meant "everything", but she was determined to have a better Asian swing than in past years after an emphatic start to her Wuhan campaign on Tuesday. Halep suffered opening-round exits in three of her previous five appearances at the Chinese event -– including the last two seasons –- but was dominant in a 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Wimbledon semi-finalist Barbora Strycova to reach the last 16. A solid contender for clinching one of the six remaining spots in the WTA Finals in Shenzhen, sixth-ranked Halep also has a shot at finishing the year as world number one for a third consecutive time with a strong finish to the season in Asia. "Very, very tough goals honestly After winning Wimbledon, I was a little bit let's say more relaxed in results, making big results. But I'm still motivated. I'm working hard," said the fourth seed, who next faces Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina for a place in the quarter-finals. "For this period I just want to be better because every year I promised myself that I will do the best I can, and I couldn't for different reasons. "Now I feel healthy, I feel motivated, I feel fresh. I just want to go there and win every match I play." Halep recently announced she will be reuniting with coach Darren Cahill from the start of 2020 and the Romanian is convinced they can pick up where they left off last year when the Australian helped her win a maiden Grand Slam title at the 2018 French Open. "I'm really happy and I feel confident that next year I can do some good things again," she said. Halep skipped past Strycova in just 85 minutes on Tuesday, benefiting from her opponent's 30 unforced errors.

Wimbledon champion Simona Halep targets strong finish in Asia

Kim Clijsters, 36, makes comeback in era dominated by teens

From Naomi Osaka to Ashleigh Barty, eight women to watch at US Open

Top seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine and second seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus advanced to the quarter finals of the WTA San Jose hardcourt tournament with straight set victories Wednesday.

Svitolina defeated Russia's Darya Kasatkina 6-3, 6-1 while Sabalenka dispatched American Coco Vandeweghe 6-3, 6-3.

Seventh ranked Svitolina booked a last-eight date against Greek seventh seed Maria Sakkari, who eliminated Japan's Mayo Hibi 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

It was Svitolina's first match since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-serena-williams-form-wimbledon-mixed-doubles-dream-team-232624">Wimbledon</a>, where she became the first woman from her homeland to reach a Grand Slam semifinal, and she improved to 5-0 against Kasatkina.

"I played quite a solid match for my first match on hard courts," Svitolina said. "I'm excited for all the matches here and overall this part of the season."

Sabalenka ranked 10th, advanced to a quarter-final against Spanish sixth seed Carla Suarez Navarro, who rallied past American Bethanie Mattek Sands 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Mattek Sands defeated fellow wildcard <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-15-year-old-cori-gauff-stuns-idol-venus-williams-to-steal-day-one-limelight-232214">Venus Williams</a> in the opening round.

Top seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine and second seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus advanced to the quarter finals of the WTA San Jose hardcourt tournament with straight set victories Wednesday.

Top seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine and second seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus advanced to the quarter finals of the WTA San Jose hardcourt tournament with straight set victories Wednesday. Svitolina defeated Russia's Darya Kasatkina 6-3, 6-1 while Sabalenka dispatched American Coco Vandeweghe 6-3, 6-3. Seventh ranked Svitolina booked a last-eight date against Greek seventh seed Maria Sakkari, who eliminated Japan's Mayo Hibi 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. It was Svitolina's first match since Wimbledon, where she became the first woman from her homeland to reach a Grand Slam semifinal, and she improved to 5-0 against Kasatkina. "I played quite a solid match for my first match on hard courts," Svitolina said. "I'm excited for all the matches here and overall this part of the season." Sabalenka ranked 10th, advanced to a quarter-final against Spanish sixth seed Carla Suarez Navarro, who rallied past American Bethanie Mattek Sands 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. Mattek Sands defeated fellow wildcard Venus Williams in the opening round.

Top seeds Svitolina, Sabalenka win at WTA San Jose event

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-defeats-roger-federer-to-win-wimbledon-title-235964">Novak Djokovic</a> has withdrawn from next month's Rogers Cup in Montreal in order to get more rest before opening his hard court season, the world number one said on Thursday.

Djokovic, a four-time&nbsp;champion in Canada, said he needs more time to recover after a physically demanding run at Wimbledon, where he beat Swiss Roger Federer in a five-set final to secure his 16th Grand Slam title.

"I'm sorry to announce that I decided to pull out of Rogers Cup," said Djokovic. "With the support of my team, I have decided to give my body longer rest and recovery time before coming back again to play."

With the Serb's withdrawal, Spain's Rafa Nadal will be the top seed at the Aug. 3-11 tournament.

Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, who injured himself at Queen's this year and has since had surgery on his right knee, will also skip the tournament.

"In del Potro's case, we wish him a speedy recovery, he who has experienced his share of injuries in the past few years," said Montreal tournament director Eugene Lapierre. "We look forward to seeing him back on court in the near future."

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next month's Rogers Cup in Montreal in order to get more rest before opening his hard court season, the world number one said on Thursday.

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next month's Rogers Cup in Montreal in order to get more rest before opening his hard court season, the world number one said on Thursday. Djokovic, a four-time champion in Canada, said he needs more time to recover after a physically demanding run at Wimbledon, where he beat Swiss Roger Federer in a five-set final to secure his 16th Grand Slam title. "I'm sorry to announce that I decided to pull out of Rogers Cup," said Djokovic. "With the support of my team, I have decided to give my body longer rest and recovery time before coming back again to play." With the Serb's withdrawal, Spain's Rafa Nadal will be the top seed at the Aug. 3-11 tournament. Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, who injured himself at Queen's this year and has since had surgery on his right knee, will also skip the tournament. "In del Potro's case, we wish him a speedy recovery, he who has experienced his share of injuries in the past few years," said Montreal tournament director Eugene Lapierre. "We look forward to seeing him back on court in the near future."

Novak Djokovic withdraws from Montreal event

Despite winning the women's singles title at Wimbledon, Simona Halep is placed at the number fourth position women's world rankings, which was released on Monday.&nbsp;

The top order of the rankings was unchanged with Ashleigh Barty of Australia at number one after leading players took the week off post-Wimbledon.&nbsp;

US Open and Australian Open winner Naomi Osaka of Japan is second with Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic third. &nbsp;

Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands rounds out the top five.

Petra Kvitova is at number six and Elina Svitolina at seven.&nbsp;

With 3802 Sloane Stephens of the United States is at number eight position and this year's Wimbledon's runner-up Serena Williams is at the ninth spot.&nbsp;

Aryna Sabalenka is at tenth spot with 3365 points.&nbsp;

Watch: Halep presents Wimbledon trophy to fans in Romania

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Latest WTA rankins released Monday:

1. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 6605 pts 
2. Naomi Osaka (JAP) 6257 
3. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 6055 
4. Simona Halep (ROU) 5933 
5. Kiki Bertens (NED) 5130 
6. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4785 
7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4638 
8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 3802 
9. Serena Williams (USA) 3411 
10. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3365 
11. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 3136 
12. Belinda Bencic (SUI) 2963 
13. Angelique Kerber (GER) 2875 
14. Qiang Wang (CHN) 2872 
15. Johanna Konta (GBR) 2790 
16. Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) 2762 
17. Madison Keys (USA) 2555 
18. Caroline Wozniacki (SUI) 2478 
19. Anett Kontaveit (EST) 2335 
20. Elise Mertens(BEL) 2305 (+1)

Despite winning the women's singles title at Wimbledon, Simona Halep is placed at the number fourth position women's world rankings, which was released on Monday.

Despite winning the women's singles title at Wimbledon, Simona Halep is placed at the number fourth position women's world rankings, which was released on Monday. The top order of the rankings was unchanged with Ashleigh Barty of Australia at number one after leading players took the week off post-Wimbledon. US Open and Australian Open winner Naomi Osaka of Japan is second with Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic third. Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands rounds out the top five. Petra Kvitova is at number six and Elina Svitolina at seven. With 3802 Sloane Stephens of the United States is at number eight position and this year's Wimbledon's runner-up Serena Williams is at the ninth spot. Aryna Sabalenka is at tenth spot with 3365 points. Watch: Halep presents Wimbledon trophy to fans in Romania × Latest WTA rankins released Monday: 1. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 6605 pts 2. Naomi Osaka (JAP) 6257 3. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 6055 4. Simona Halep (ROU) 5933 5. Kiki Bertens (NED) 5130 6. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4785 7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4638 8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 3802 9. Serena Williams (USA) 3411 10. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3365 11. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 3136 12. Belinda Bencic (SUI) 2963 13. Angelique Kerber (GER) 2875 14. Qiang Wang (CHN) 2872 15. Johanna Konta (GBR) 2790 16. Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) 2762 17. Madison Keys (USA) 2555 18. Caroline Wozniacki (SUI) 2478 19. Anett Kontaveit (EST) 2335 20. Elise Mertens(BEL) 2305 (+1)

Rankings unchanged for top women post-Wimbledon

Romania's presidency and the Orthodox Church awarded Wimbledon tennis champion <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/simona-halep-defeats-serena-william-to-win-womens-singles-title-235577">Simona Halep</a> their highest distinctions on Monday while hundreds of fans cheered her home after she blitzed US&nbsp;opponent <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-has-lost-intimidation-factor-says-simona-halep-235722">Serena Williams</a> at the weekend.

Halep, 27, became the first Romanian to win a Wimbledon singles title after stunning seven-times champion Serena Williams 6-2, 6-2 in the 56-minute match final on Saturday.

"I played my chance. I did the best I could and that's why I managed to win," a beaming <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/simona-halep-beats-serena-williams-to-win-wimbledon-singles-title-235579">Halep </a>told reporters at Bucharest international airport, clutching her trophy and flowers as fans shouted "Bravo, Simona!".

"I've been staying focused on my tactics ... <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/equality-is-my-cause-serena-williams-puts-legend-billie-jean-king-in-her-place-235601">Serena </a>is the best player of all times," Halep said.

It was Halep's second Grand Slam title following her triumph at Roland Garros in Paris last year.

The presidency awarded her the Star of Romania while the church gave her the Patriarchal Cross.

"I always make the sign of the cross and believe in God because nothing can be done without the help of God," Halep said last year after winning in Paris.

Romania's presidency and the Orthodox Church awarded Wimbledon tennis champion Simona Halep their highest distinctions on Monday while hundreds of fans cheered her home after she blitzed US opponent Serena Williams at the weekend.

Romania's presidency and the Orthodox Church awarded Wimbledon tennis champion Simona Halep their highest distinctions on Monday while hundreds of fans cheered her home after she blitzed US opponent Serena Williams at the weekend. Halep, 27, became the first Romanian to win a Wimbledon singles title after stunning seven-times champion Serena Williams 6-2, 6-2 in the 56-minute match final on Saturday. "I played my chance. I did the best I could and that's why I managed to win," a beaming Halep told reporters at Bucharest international airport, clutching her trophy and flowers as fans shouted "Bravo, Simona!". "I've been staying focused on my tactics ... Serena is the best player of all times," Halep said. It was Halep's second Grand Slam title following her triumph at Roland Garros in Paris last year. The presidency awarded her the Star of Romania while the church gave her the Patriarchal Cross. "I always make the sign of the cross and believe in God because nothing can be done without the help of God," Halep said last year after winning in Paris.

Wimbledon champion Simona Halep awarded with Romania's highest distinctions

The final match of&nbsp;ICC Men's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-defeat-new-zealand-to-win-the-cricket-world-cup-2019-title-235973">Cricket World Cup</a>&nbsp;between England and New Zealand at Lord's and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-vows-to-win-fans-love-with-roger-federer-record-in-view-236099">Wimbledon</a>&nbsp;men's singles final between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic&nbsp;went down to the wire.

England won the title&nbsp;after a dramatic Super Over.&nbsp;England was announced as the winner as they had hit more boundaries in the match.

While in Wimbledon final defending champion, Djokovic saved two match points to clinch a fifth Wimbledon title and 16th major&nbsp;in a five-set thriller.&nbsp;

At four hours and 57 minutes, it was the longest Wimbledon final and the first to be settled by a final set tiebreak.

Spectators and&nbsp;fans across were glued to the edge of their seats, waiting to find out the results of the nail-biting matches.

However, amid all the tesnsions, ICC and Wimbledon made complete use of the opportunity to find out how things are going for one another.

"Hello @ICC - how are you coping your end? #Wimbledon #CWC19Final," read a tweet posted on Wimbledon's official handle.

ICC's official handle was quick to respond to the enquiry, and wrote, "Things are a bit hectic here right now, we`ll get back to you #CWC19 | #Wimbledon | #CWC1FINAL".

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Things are a bit hectic here right now, we'll get back to you 😅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC1FINAL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC1FINAL</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1150469283673235457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Fans also reacted to to the banter and expressed&nbsp;their excitement. Here are some fan reations.&nbsp;

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I can’t decide what to watch..
— Raj Kumar Jha (@Thisisraaj) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thisisraaj/status/1150463880293863426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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If you're asking the ICC, they'd probably tell you that you stretched that final too long. Just decide the champion on some silly statistic such as number of aces served, why bother having a clear winner?
— Max (@Maxx_Force) <a href="https://twitter.com/Maxx_Force/status/1150487374956122112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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How did you get your Duke and Duchess to watch tennis between a Swiss and a Serb and not England's best chance to win a world cup? Just how?
— Chandler Sing (@chandler_sing) <a href="https://twitter.com/chandler_sing/status/1150473625880817665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> is still clueless, best world cup final ever<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvNZ</a>
— SleepyOwl (@Nav_tweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nav_tweets/status/1150466079354867712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The sporting action did not end with these two events, as Lewis Hamilton won his sixth British Grand Prix on Sunday.&nbsp;

The final match of ICC Men's Cricket World Cup between England and New Zealand at Lord's and the Wimbledon men's singles final between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic went down to the wire.

The final match of ICC Men's Cricket World Cup between England and New Zealand at Lord's and the Wimbledon men's singles final between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic went down to the wire. England won the title after a dramatic Super Over. England was announced as the winner as they had hit more boundaries in the match. While in Wimbledon final defending champion, Djokovic saved two match points to clinch a fifth Wimbledon title and 16th major in a five-set thriller. At four hours and 57 minutes, it was the longest Wimbledon final and the first to be settled by a final set tiebreak. Spectators and fans across were glued to the edge of their seats, waiting to find out the results of the nail-biting matches. However, amid all the tesnsions, ICC and Wimbledon made complete use of the opportunity to find out how things are going for one another. "Hello @ICC - how are you coping your end? #Wimbledon #CWC19Final," read a tweet posted on Wimbledon's official handle. ICC's official handle was quick to respond to the enquiry, and wrote, "Things are a bit hectic here right now, we`ll get back to you #CWC19 | #Wimbledon | #CWC1FINAL". Things are a bit hectic here right now, we'll get back to you 😅#CWC19 | #Wimbledon | #CWC1FINAL — ICC (@ICC) July 14, 2019 × Fans also reacted to to the banter and expressed their excitement. Here are some fan reations. I can’t decide what to watch.. — Raj Kumar Jha (@Thisisraaj) July 14, 2019 × If you're asking the ICC, they'd probably tell you that you stretched that final too long. Just decide the champion on some silly statistic such as number of aces served, why bother having a clear winner? — Max (@Maxx_Force) July 14, 2019 × How did you get your Duke and Duchess to watch tennis between a Swiss and a Serb and not England's best chance to win a world cup? Just how? — Chandler Sing (@chandler_sing) July 14, 2019 × @ICC is still clueless, best world cup final ever#ENGvNZ — SleepyOwl (@Nav_tweets) July 14, 2019 × The sporting action did not end with these two events, as Lewis Hamilton won his sixth British Grand Prix on Sunday.

'How are you coping your end': ICC-Wimbledon Twitter banter is unmissable

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/simona-halep-defeats-serena-william-to-win-womens-singles-title-235577">Simona&nbsp;Halep</a> believes that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/equality-is-my-cause-serena-williams-puts-legend-billie-jean-king-in-her-place-235601">Serena Williams</a> has lost the intimidation factor that once condemned rivals to defeat even before they set foot on court.

Halep handed the American legend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/simona-halep-beats-serena-williams-to-win-wimbledon-singles-title-235579">a 6-2, 6-2 rout in the Wimbledon final</a> on Saturday to become the first Romanian to win a singles title at the All England Club.

The 56-minute dissection of the Williams playbook was the 23-time Slam winner's most lopsided loss in a major final.

With her 38th birthday fast approaching, her dream of matching Margaret Court's all-time mark of 24 majors seems as far away as it has ever been.

"I have always been intimidated a little bit when I faced Serena," admitted 27-year-old Halep.

"She's an inspiration for everyone and the model for everyone. But today I decided before the match that I'm going to focus on myself and on the final of Grand Slam, not on her.&nbsp;

"That's why I was able to play my best, to be relaxed, and to be able to be positive and confident against her."

It was a tactic which worked to perfection for the world number seven who had lost nine of her previous 10 meetings with Williams.

Her only win had come at the season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore in 2014.

For Halep, it was a second Grand Slam title after breaking her duck at the 2018 French Open which had followed three losses in title matches at the Slams.

On Saturday, she committed just three unforced errors; Williams was undone by 26.

"I'm very sure that was the best match of my life," said Halep.

The challenge now is for Halep to keep backing it up.

She has been a runner-up at the Australian Open, losing the 2018 final to Caroline Wozniacki.

Until this year, she had never got beyond the semi-finals at Wimbledon while a last-four run in 2015 remains her best performance at the US Open.

When she won the 2018 French Open, she exited Wimbledon in the third round and the US Open at the first hurdle.

"The finals I lost in the past helped me for sure to be different when I face this moment.

"It's never easy to play a Grand Slam final. You can get intimidated by the moment. You can get too nervous.&nbsp;

"I have learned that it's a normal match, not thinking that much about the trophy, just going there and try to be the best as you can. So I did that.&nbsp;

"I said that every time I would play a final of a Grand Slam, I will do exactly the same thing. So today I did it."

Halep, who is now looking forward to returning to the All England Club as a life member "to have dinner, have lunch, play a little bit of tennis" joked that her victory on Saturday was almost by royal command.

Up in the Royal Box was Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Halep's favourite.

"It was an honour to play in front of her. I had the chance to meet her after the match. She's very kind, very nice.&nbsp;

"Yeah, it was an extra boost when I saw all of them there, the Royal family."

Simona Halep believes that Serena Williams has lost the intimidation factor that once condemned rivals to defeat even before they set foot on court. Halep handed the American legend a 6-2, 6-2 rout in the Wimbledon final on Saturday to become the first Romanian to win a singles title at the All England Club.

Simona Halep believes that Serena Williams has lost the intimidation factor that once condemned rivals to defeat even before they set foot on court. Halep handed the American legend a 6-2, 6-2 rout in the Wimbledon final on Saturday to become the first Romanian to win a singles title at the All England Club. The 56-minute dissection of the Williams playbook was the 23-time Slam winner's most lopsided loss in a major final. With her 38th birthday fast approaching, her dream of matching Margaret Court's all-time mark of 24 majors seems as far away as it has ever been. "I have always been intimidated a little bit when I faced Serena," admitted 27-year-old Halep. "She's an inspiration for everyone and the model for everyone. But today I decided before the match that I'm going to focus on myself and on the final of Grand Slam, not on her. "That's why I was able to play my best, to be relaxed, and to be able to be positive and confident against her." It was a tactic which worked to perfection for the world number seven who had lost nine of her previous 10 meetings with Williams. Her only win had come at the season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore in 2014. For Halep, it was a second Grand Slam title after breaking her duck at the 2018 French Open which had followed three losses in title matches at the Slams. On Saturday, she committed just three unforced errors; Williams was undone by 26. "I'm very sure that was the best match of my life," said Halep. The challenge now is for Halep to keep backing it up. She has been a runner-up at the Australian Open, losing the 2018 final to Caroline Wozniacki. Until this year, she had never got beyond the semi-finals at Wimbledon while a last-four run in 2015 remains her best performance at the US Open. When she won the 2018 French Open, she exited Wimbledon in the third round and the US Open at the first hurdle. "The finals I lost in the past helped me for sure to be different when I face this moment. "It's never easy to play a Grand Slam final. You can get intimidated by the moment. You can get too nervous. "I have learned that it's a normal match, not thinking that much about the trophy, just going there and try to be the best as you can. So I did that. "I said that every time I would play a final of a Grand Slam, I will do exactly the same thing. So today I did it." Halep, who is now looking forward to returning to the All England Club as a life member "to have dinner, have lunch, play a little bit of tennis" joked that her victory on Saturday was almost by royal command. Up in the Royal Box was Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Halep's favourite. "It was an honour to play in front of her. I had the chance to meet her after the match. She's very kind, very nice. "Yeah, it was an extra boost when I saw all of them there, the Royal family."

Serena Williams has lost 'intimidation' factor, says Simona Halep

Top seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic held off a spirited challenge from Spanish outsider Roberto Bautista Agut on Friday to triumph in four sets and advance to a mouthwatering Wimbledon final against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-downs-rafael-nadal-to-set-up-novak-djokovic-wimbledon-title-duel-235413">Roger Federer</a>.

Remarkably the Serb's 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 success was the 12th victory in his last 13 Grand Slam semi-finals and he is now one win away from his fifth title at Wimbledon and 16th Grand Slam singles crown as he resumes his great rivalry with the Swiss.

Friday's match turned on an amazing 45-shot rally in the seventh game of the third set, which Djokovic won to hold serve and stay a break-up&nbsp;and from then on he took total control as the Spaniard, who had looked calm and confident in his first Grand Slam semi-final, was eventually brushed aside.

"I had to dig deep. It's the semi-finals and Roberto was not overwhelmed - he's a very under-rated player," Djokovic, 32, said.

"He played really well. He was managing his nerves in the first set but later on he established himself and started to play better. I got a bit tight. It was a close opening four or five games of the third set - that's where the match could have gone a different way," he added.

Bautista Agut flashed a brilliant return past Djokovic from the first serve of the match but he barely threatened for the rest of the set as his high-risk approach produced too many errors and a provided a straightforward set win for the favourite.

The second was a different story as Bautista Agut dialled back a little and found that he was able to out-duel the master. Djokovic was making uncharacteristic errors on seemingly simple shots and was frequently left staring skywards, questioning himself and taking issue with the crowd.

Bautista Agut snatched a break in the third game and served superbly to back it up, dropping only four points in five successful service games to level the match.

REAL MATCH

The Centre Court crowd realised they had a real match on their hands and they were treated to a superb third set. It, and probably the match, hinged on the seventh game as Djokovic, a break to the good, served at 30-40.

The players then smashed out their 45-shot rally, much of it a mesmerizing exchange of identical crosscourt backhands that had the crowd gasping before Djokovic blinked first to switch the angle of attack and take the point with a devastating winner.

It was the longest rally officially seen at Wimbledon since records began in 2005 and Djokovic duly served out and stayed on top to take the set.

The champion then took command in the fourth set, cutting out the loose groundstrokes and picking up points with adventurous serve-and-volley attacks and after breaking for a 2-1 lead he never looked back.

"Obviously winning that game was crucial for me," Djokovic said of the marathon rally game. "It gave me more confidence and relief so I could swing more freely in the next games."

Bautista Agut had no answers but can be pleased with his efforts in what is turning out to be the best year of his career, having never previously reached even a quarter-final at a Grand Slam.

The 31-year-old can now join his friends on a belated stag break. They arrived in London to watch Friday's game after his planned Ibiza trip was cancelled following his unexpected progress to the last four.

Djokovic, however, has got more business to attend to as he prepares to face 37-year-old eight-times Wimbledon champion and number two seed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-wins-100th-wimbledon-match-sets-up-clash-with-rafael-nadal-in-semi-final-234850">Federer </a>in Sunday's showpiece.

"Regardless of the history and many finals I've played, playing a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-to-face-simona-halep-in-wimbledon-final-235136">final at Wimbledon</a> is something different so I'll definitely enjoy that experience," he said.

Top seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic held off a spirited challenge from Spanish outsider Roberto Bautista Agut on Friday to triumph in four sets and advance to a mouthwatering Wimbledon final against Roger Federer.

Top seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic held off a spirited challenge from Spanish outsider Roberto Bautista Agut on Friday to triumph in four sets and advance to a mouthwatering Wimbledon final against Roger Federer. Remarkably the Serb's 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 success was the 12th victory in his last 13 Grand Slam semi-finals and he is now one win away from his fifth title at Wimbledon and 16th Grand Slam singles crown as he resumes his great rivalry with the Swiss. Friday's match turned on an amazing 45-shot rally in the seventh game of the third set, which Djokovic won to hold serve and stay a break-up and from then on he took total control as the Spaniard, who had looked calm and confident in his first Grand Slam semi-final, was eventually brushed aside. "I had to dig deep. It's the semi-finals and Roberto was not overwhelmed - he's a very under-rated player," Djokovic, 32, said. "He played really well. He was managing his nerves in the first set but later on he established himself and started to play better. I got a bit tight. It was a close opening four or five games of the third set - that's where the match could have gone a different way," he added. Bautista Agut flashed a brilliant return past Djokovic from the first serve of the match but he barely threatened for the rest of the set as his high-risk approach produced too many errors and a provided a straightforward set win for the favourite. The second was a different story as Bautista Agut dialled back a little and found that he was able to out-duel the master. Djokovic was making uncharacteristic errors on seemingly simple shots and was frequently left staring skywards, questioning himself and taking issue with the crowd. Bautista Agut snatched a break in the third game and served superbly to back it up, dropping only four points in five successful service games to level the match. REAL MATCH The Centre Court crowd realised they had a real match on their hands and they were treated to a superb third set. It, and probably the match, hinged on the seventh game as Djokovic, a break to the good, served at 30-40. The players then smashed out their 45-shot rally, much of it a mesmerizing exchange of identical crosscourt backhands that had the crowd gasping before Djokovic blinked first to switch the angle of attack and take the point with a devastating winner. It was the longest rally officially seen at Wimbledon since records began in 2005 and Djokovic duly served out and stayed on top to take the set. The champion then took command in the fourth set, cutting out the loose groundstrokes and picking up points with adventurous serve-and-volley attacks and after breaking for a 2-1 lead he never looked back. "Obviously winning that game was crucial for me," Djokovic said of the marathon rally game. "It gave me more confidence and relief so I could swing more freely in the next games." Bautista Agut had no answers but can be pleased with his efforts in what is turning out to be the best year of his career, having never previously reached even a quarter-final at a Grand Slam. The 31-year-old can now join his friends on a belated stag break. They arrived in London to watch Friday's game after his planned Ibiza trip was cancelled following his unexpected progress to the last four. Djokovic, however, has got more business to attend to as he prepares to face 37-year-old eight-times Wimbledon champion and number two seed Federer in Sunday's showpiece. "Regardless of the history and many finals I've played, playing a final at Wimbledon is something different so I'll definitely enjoy that experience," he said.

Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic battles past Bautista Agut into final

Rafael Nadal rued missing out on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-downs-rafael-nadal-to-set-up-novak-djokovic-wimbledon-title-duel-235413">Wimbledon final</a> after losing to great rival Roger Federer and admitted his chances of adding a third title on the grass of the All England Club are receding.

The 33-year-old Spaniard, who remains two off Federer's Grand Slam record title haul of 20, has two Wimbledon crowns to his name.

But he said his game on Friday was never at the level required to repeat his epic win in his first championship victory over Federer 11 years ago.

Nadal, who won his 12th French Open trophy in June, ended up on the wrong end of a 7-6 (7/3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat.

It will be Federer who bids for a ninth <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-to-face-simona-halep-in-wimbledon-final-235136">Wimbledon </a>title against the four-time champion Novak Djokovic, the third member of the great triumvirate that still dominate the sport.&nbsp;

"I am sad for the loss because for me it was another opportunity," he said.

"But at the same time I created another opportunity to be in another final of a Grand Slam.''

"Just accept that was not my day. I played a great event. I take this in a positive way.''

"At the same time, today is sad because for me I know chances are not forever.''

"Last year I had chances here (he lost in five sets to Djokovic in the semi-final), I had another one, and I was not able to convert to win it one more time here," said Nadal.

'We are not done'&nbsp; 
 
Nadal, who suffered his first loss to Federer in a Grand Slam semi-final after winning on the previous four occasions, said it was a wonderful experience to be part of the great rivalry with fellow 30-somethings Federer and Djokovic.

Indeed - Andy Murray aside on two occasions - no other player apart from them has lifted the Wimbledon trophy since Australian Lleyton Hewitt in 2002.

"We spoke about that one thousand times," said Nadal.

"The same time is great to be part of this rivalry, be in the middle of these three players that achieved that much in this sport in the same era," Nadal said.

If the increasingly harassed 'NextGen' group of players - who speak of the unbearable pressure they feel in trying to break up the trio's dominance -&nbsp;were hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel Nadal offered none.

"It is something that is going to be difficult to see again," he said.

"We are not done, so... Things continue. Just another episode this afternoon.''

"Of course, as I said the other day, we know that every time there are less chances to play against each other in these high-quality matches.''

"Was another chance this afternoon," Nadal said.

Nadal said defeat was tough but graciously congratulated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-wins-100th-wimbledon-match-sets-up-clash-with-rafael-nadal-in-semi-final-234850">Federer </a>on being the better player on the day.

Nadal said 37-year-old Federer's qualities remain undimmed and constant.

"The same like all my career, no?" he said. "He is always able to do the most difficult things easy.''

"He's able to move inside the court quicker than anyone.''

"He puts pressure on the opponent all the time because he has the ability to take the ball earlier than anybody else.''

"That's probably the most difficult thing to make that happen, and he is able to do it so well," added Nadal.

Rafael Nadal rued missing out on the Wimbledon final after losing to great rival Roger Federer and admitted his chances of adding a third title on the grass of the All England Club are receding.

Rafael Nadal rued missing out on the Wimbledon final after losing to great rival Roger Federer and admitted his chances of adding a third title on the grass of the All England Club are receding. The 33-year-old Spaniard, who remains two off Federer's Grand Slam record title haul of 20, has two Wimbledon crowns to his name. But he said his game on Friday was never at the level required to repeat his epic win in his first championship victory over Federer 11 years ago. Nadal, who won his 12th French Open trophy in June, ended up on the wrong end of a 7-6 (7/3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat. It will be Federer who bids for a ninth Wimbledon title against the four-time champion Novak Djokovic, the third member of the great triumvirate that still dominate the sport. "I am sad for the loss because for me it was another opportunity," he said. "But at the same time I created another opportunity to be in another final of a Grand Slam.'' "Just accept that was not my day. I played a great event. I take this in a positive way.'' "At the same time, today is sad because for me I know chances are not forever.'' "Last year I had chances here (he lost in five sets to Djokovic in the semi-final), I had another one, and I was not able to convert to win it one more time here," said Nadal. 'We are not done' Nadal, who suffered his first loss to Federer in a Grand Slam semi-final after winning on the previous four occasions, said it was a wonderful experience to be part of the great rivalry with fellow 30-somethings Federer and Djokovic. Indeed - Andy Murray aside on two occasions - no other player apart from them has lifted the Wimbledon trophy since Australian Lleyton Hewitt in 2002. "We spoke about that one thousand times," said Nadal. "The same time is great to be part of this rivalry, be in the middle of these three players that achieved that much in this sport in the same era," Nadal said. If the increasingly harassed 'NextGen' group of players - who speak of the unbearable pressure they feel in trying to break up the trio's dominance - were hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel Nadal offered none. "It is something that is going to be difficult to see again," he said. "We are not done, so... Things continue. Just another episode this afternoon.'' "Of course, as I said the other day, we know that every time there are less chances to play against each other in these high-quality matches.'' "Was another chance this afternoon," Nadal said. Nadal said defeat was tough but graciously congratulated Federer on being the better player on the day. Nadal said 37-year-old Federer's qualities remain undimmed and constant. "The same like all my career, no?" he said. "He is always able to do the most difficult things easy.'' "He's able to move inside the court quicker than anyone.'' "He puts pressure on the opponent all the time because he has the ability to take the ball earlier than anybody else.'' "That's probably the most difficult thing to make that happen, and he is able to do it so well," added Nadal.

'We are not done,' says Rafael Nadal after loss to Roger Federer at Wimbledon

After winning the Wimbledon title, former world number one Simona Halep said that it was her mother's dream for her.&nbsp;

Halep&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/simona-halep-beats-serena-williams-to-win-wimbledon-singles-title-235579">defeated Serena 6-2, 6-2</a> in the final showdown to become the first Romanian woman to win in the Wimbledon title.&nbsp;

Previously the only other Romanian to reach the Wimbledon final was Ilie Nastase who finished runner-up in 1972 and 1976.&nbsp;

"It was my Mum’s dream for me. My mom said when I was 10 that if I want to do something in tennis I have to play in the final at Wimbledon, so today the day came," said Halep after winning the title.&nbsp;

"I had lots of nerves, my stomach wasn't very well.&nbsp;"I never played a better match," said Halep.

"I said at the start of the tournament that one of my motivations was to win and become a lifetime member of the club," she&nbsp;added.&nbsp;

It's Halep's second major title after 2018 French Open triumph.&nbsp;

The win has denied the 37-year-old's&nbsp;attempt to equal Margaret Court's all-time record for major wins.&nbsp;

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Hail Halep 🇷🇴 
 
The Romanian becomes our new champion after defeating Serena Williams 6-2, 6-2 with a magical performance <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JoinTheStory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JoinTheStory</a> <a href="https://t.co/wkKcGAl1Ny">pic.twitter.com/wkKcGAl1Ny</a>
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wimbledon/status/1150043700963303424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Williams was undone by 26 unforced errors to Halep's two in a personal horror show on Centre Court.

"She played out of her mind," said Williams. "I was like a deer in headlights."

Williams, who has now lost three Grand Slam finals since returning to the Tour last March following the birth of daughter Olympia in September 2017, was short of ideas and the match ended after 56 minutes when she biffed a forehand into the net -- her 26th unforced error.&nbsp;

After winning the Wimbledon title, former world number one Simona Halep said that it was her mother's dream for her. Halep defeated Serena 6-2, 6-2 in the final showdown to become the first Romanian woman to win in the Wimbledon title.

After winning the Wimbledon title, former world number one Simona Halep said that it was her mother's dream for her. Halep defeated Serena 6-2, 6-2 in the final showdown to become the first Romanian woman to win in the Wimbledon title. Previously the only other Romanian to reach the Wimbledon final was Ilie Nastase who finished runner-up in 1972 and 1976. "It was my Mum’s dream for me. My mom said when I was 10 that if I want to do something in tennis I have to play in the final at Wimbledon, so today the day came," said Halep after winning the title. "I had lots of nerves, my stomach wasn't very well. "I never played a better match," said Halep. "I said at the start of the tournament that one of my motivations was to win and become a lifetime member of the club," she added. It's Halep's second major title after 2018 French Open triumph. The win has denied the 37-year-old's attempt to equal Margaret Court's all-time record for major wins. Hail Halep 🇷🇴 The Romanian becomes our new champion after defeating Serena Williams 6-2, 6-2 with a magical performance #Wimbledon | #JoinTheStory pic.twitter.com/wkKcGAl1Ny — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2019 × Williams was undone by 26 unforced errors to Halep's two in a personal horror show on Centre Court. "She played out of her mind," said Williams. "I was like a deer in headlights." Williams, who has now lost three Grand Slam finals since returning to the Tour last March following the birth of daughter Olympia in September 2017, was short of ideas and the match ended after 56 minutes when she biffed a forehand into the net -- her 26th unforced error.

'It was my mum’s dream,' says Simona Halep after winning Wimbledon title

Serena Williams' wait for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title goes on after Simona Halep stunned the off-key American 6-2, 6-2 in a one-sided Wimbledon final on Saturday.

An inspired Halep took full advantage of an error-strewn display by seven-times champion Williams to become the first Romanian to win a Wimbledon singles title.

The 27-year-old Halep, broke the Williams serve in the opening game and raced into a 4-0 lead in front of 15,000 disbelieving fans on Centre Court.

She remained rock solid throughout, making only three unforced errors, and Williams simply could not respond.

Even when Williams fired herself up at the start of the second set and began to strike the ball with her customary power, seventh seed Halep refused to take a backward step.

Halep weathered the storm and reeled off the last five games of what she described as the best match of her life.

Williams, who is still to add to her Grand Slam collection since giving birth to daughter Olympia in September 2017, looked out of ideas and the match ended after 56 minutes when she buried a forehand into the net -- her 26th unforced error.

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"She played out of her mind," Williams, who had won nine of her previous 10 matches against Halep, said on court after picking up the runners-up salver for the second year running, having lost to a similarly inspired Angelique Kerber last year.

"It was a little bit a deer in headlights for me. Whenever a player plays like that you just have to take your hat off."

Until Saturday the only other Romanian to reach the Wimbledon final was Ilie Nastase who twice finished runner-up, in 1972 and 1976. But Halep went one better as she added the Wimbledon crown to the French Open she won in 2018.

"It's something very special and I'll never forget this day. It was my mum's dream when I was about 10. The day came," former world number one Halep said.

"Well I had nerves, my stomach wasn't well before. But I knew there was no time for emotions so I just came out on court to do my best."&nbsp;

Serena Williams' wait for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title goes on after Simona Halep stunned the off-key American 6-2, 6-2 in a one-sided Wimbledon final on Saturday.

Serena Williams' wait for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title goes on after Simona Halep stunned the off-key American 6-2, 6-2 in a one-sided Wimbledon final on Saturday. An inspired Halep took full advantage of an error-strewn display by seven-times champion Williams to become the first Romanian to win a Wimbledon singles title. The 27-year-old Halep, broke the Williams serve in the opening game and raced into a 4-0 lead in front of 15,000 disbelieving fans on Centre Court. She remained rock solid throughout, making only three unforced errors, and Williams simply could not respond. Even when Williams fired herself up at the start of the second set and began to strike the ball with her customary power, seventh seed Halep refused to take a backward step. Halep weathered the storm and reeled off the last five games of what she described as the best match of her life. Williams, who is still to add to her Grand Slam collection since giving birth to daughter Olympia in September 2017, looked out of ideas and the match ended after 56 minutes when she buried a forehand into the net -- her 26th unforced error. The moment @Simona_Halep became Romania's first ever #Wimbledon singles champion 🇷🇴 pic.twitter.com/bny53dP8AL — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2019 × 🏆 @Simona_Halep 🏆#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/RdUFeQwRwb — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2019 × "She played out of her mind," Williams, who had won nine of her previous 10 matches against Halep, said on court after picking up the runners-up salver for the second year running, having lost to a similarly inspired Angelique Kerber last year. "It was a little bit a deer in headlights for me. Whenever a player plays like that you just have to take your hat off." Until Saturday the only other Romanian to reach the Wimbledon final was Ilie Nastase who twice finished runner-up, in 1972 and 1976. But Halep went one better as she added the Wimbledon crown to the French Open she won in 2018. "It's something very special and I'll never forget this day. It was my mum's dream when I was about 10. The day came," former world number one Halep said. "Well I had nerves, my stomach wasn't well before. But I knew there was no time for emotions so I just came out on court to do my best."

Simona Halep beats Serena Williams to win Wimbledon singles title

Eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer believes the "stars have aligned" as he attempts to become the oldest Grand Slam winner of modern times in Sunday's final against Novak Djokovic.

The 37-year-old Swiss can clinch a record-extending 21st major if he manages to break free of the world number one's stranglehold.

Four-time Wimbledon winner and defending champion Djokovic enjoys a 25-22 edge in career meetings, stretching back 13 years.

The Serb has won 14 of their last 20 meetings and eight of the last 10.

Federer has lost all four of their most recent meetings at the Slams and it's now seven years since he triumphed over the 32-year-old at the majors.

That was 2012 in four sets in a Wimbledon semi-final.

However, Federer, who will be 38 next month, insists such statistics are meaningless as he attempts to succeed Ken Rosewall, at the 1972 Australian Open, as the oldest Slam champion of the Open era.

"It's been a rock-solid year for me. I won in Halle (on grass on the eve of Wimbledon). The stars are aligned right now," said Federer.

"From that standpoint, I can go into the match very confident."

Federer, who passed the 100-win mark at Wimbledon in his quarter-final victory over Kei Nishikori, is feeling especially confident after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-are-not-done-says-rafael-nadal-after-loss-to-roger-federer-at-wimbledon-235452">seeing off Rafael Nadal</a> in four sets in the semi-final.

That win was crucial coming as it did just a month after his old rival had condemned him to his worst Slam loss in 11 years in the semi-finals at Roland Garros.

Appearing in his 12th final at the All England Club, and 16 years after his maiden Wimbledon title triumph, Federer believes there is little new that either he or Djokovic can do to prepare for Sunday's showdown.

"This is like at school -- on the day of the test you're not going to read, I don't know, how many books that day.&nbsp;

"It's quite clear the work was done way before."

There is no doubt whatsoever as to who the crowd will support.

Djokovic, a 15-time Grand Slam champion, is respected by British fans but certainly not revered in the same saintly fashion reserved for Federer.

Too intense and too new age for modest British tastes, Djokovic did little to endear himself in his semi-final win over Roberto Bautista Agut.

After a punishing 45-shot rally ended in his favour, the Serb roared out his frustration, cupped his ear and placed an admonishing finger to his lips as most of Centre Court willed the ball to fall in the Spaniard's favour.

"Look, I focus on what I need to do," said Djokovic.

"At times they wanted him to come back into the match, maybe take a lead because he was an underdog.&nbsp;

"I understand that. But I had enough support here over the years, so I don't complain."

Djokovic has yet to be truly tested at this Wimbledon.

The highest-ranked player he has faced was 21st-seeded David Goffin of Belgium who was dismissed for the loss of just six games in the quarter-finals.

The 'NextGen' hopefuls in his half of the draw all failed to fire.

Highly-regarded Stefanos Tsitsipas never made it past the first day while Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime fell in the third round.

"With Federer, we all know how good he is anywhere, but especially here. This surface complements his game very well," said Djokovic ahead of the pair's 16th meeting at the Slams and 20th meeting in a tour-level final.

"He loves to play very fast. Takes away the time from his opponent. Just doesn't give you any of the same looks."

Djokovic is playing in his 25th Grand Slam final while Federer has played six more.

Whoever emerges as champion on Sunday, it will yet again confirm the dominance of the 'Big Three' of Federer, Djokovic and Nadal.

Between them, they will have won the last 11 majors, 15 of the last 17 and 54 of the last 65. 
&nbsp;

Eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer believes the "stars have aligned" as he attempts to become the oldest Grand Slam winner of modern times in Sunday's final against Novak Djokovic.

Eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer believes the "stars have aligned" as he attempts to become the oldest Grand Slam winner of modern times in Sunday's final against Novak Djokovic. The 37-year-old Swiss can clinch a record-extending 21st major if he manages to break free of the world number one's stranglehold. Four-time Wimbledon winner and defending champion Djokovic enjoys a 25-22 edge in career meetings, stretching back 13 years. The Serb has won 14 of their last 20 meetings and eight of the last 10. Federer has lost all four of their most recent meetings at the Slams and it's now seven years since he triumphed over the 32-year-old at the majors. That was 2012 in four sets in a Wimbledon semi-final. However, Federer, who will be 38 next month, insists such statistics are meaningless as he attempts to succeed Ken Rosewall, at the 1972 Australian Open, as the oldest Slam champion of the Open era. "It's been a rock-solid year for me. I won in Halle (on grass on the eve of Wimbledon). The stars are aligned right now," said Federer. "From that standpoint, I can go into the match very confident." Federer, who passed the 100-win mark at Wimbledon in his quarter-final victory over Kei Nishikori, is feeling especially confident after seeing off Rafael Nadal in four sets in the semi-final. That win was crucial coming as it did just a month after his old rival had condemned him to his worst Slam loss in 11 years in the semi-finals at Roland Garros. Appearing in his 12th final at the All England Club, and 16 years after his maiden Wimbledon title triumph, Federer believes there is little new that either he or Djokovic can do to prepare for Sunday's showdown. "This is like at school -- on the day of the test you're not going to read, I don't know, how many books that day. "It's quite clear the work was done way before." There is no doubt whatsoever as to who the crowd will support. Djokovic, a 15-time Grand Slam champion, is respected by British fans but certainly not revered in the same saintly fashion reserved for Federer. Too intense and too new age for modest British tastes, Djokovic did little to endear himself in his semi-final win over Roberto Bautista Agut. After a punishing 45-shot rally ended in his favour, the Serb roared out his frustration, cupped his ear and placed an admonishing finger to his lips as most of Centre Court willed the ball to fall in the Spaniard's favour. "Look, I focus on what I need to do," said Djokovic. "At times they wanted him to come back into the match, maybe take a lead because he was an underdog. "I understand that. But I had enough support here over the years, so I don't complain." Djokovic has yet to be truly tested at this Wimbledon. The highest-ranked player he has faced was 21st-seeded David Goffin of Belgium who was dismissed for the loss of just six games in the quarter-finals. The 'NextGen' hopefuls in his half of the draw all failed to fire. Highly-regarded Stefanos Tsitsipas never made it past the first day while Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime fell in the third round. "With Federer, we all know how good he is anywhere, but especially here. This surface complements his game very well," said Djokovic ahead of the pair's 16th meeting at the Slams and 20th meeting in a tour-level final. "He loves to play very fast. Takes away the time from his opponent. Just doesn't give you any of the same looks." Djokovic is playing in his 25th Grand Slam final while Federer has played six more. Whoever emerges as champion on Sunday, it will yet again confirm the dominance of the 'Big Three' of Federer, Djokovic and Nadal. Between them, they will have won the last 11 majors, 15 of the last 17 and 54 of the last 65.

'Stars align' as Roger Federer seeks to break Novak Djokovic spell in Wimbledon final

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal battle for a place in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-to-face-simona-halep-in-wimbledon-final-235136">Wimbledon final</a> on Friday, 11 years after they mesmerised Centre Court in a Grand Slam championship match widely regarded as the greatest ever played.

Nadal emerged triumphant that day, winning in five sets in a four-hour 48-minute epic of fluctuating fortunes that stretched out over seven hours because of constant, momentum-shifting rain interruptions.

The Spaniard won 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 (8/10), 9-7 as the clock ticked past 9 pm and with the famous stadium in near-darkness.

Over a decade later, the sport's two most successful players now have 38 Grand Slam titles between them and more than $100 million in prize money each.

Nadal, the 2008 and 2010 champion at Wimbledon, has the edge overall, leading his great rival and friend 24-15 and 10-3 at the Slams.

However, it is eight-time champion Federer who just edges their Wimbledon head-to-head 2-1 after winning the 2006 and 2007 finals before Nadal famously broke the spell in 2008.

Nadal, who demolished Federer in straight sets in the semi-finals at Roland Garros last month on his way to the 12th title in Paris, admits his game has developed since 2008.

Mostly, that's due to his age as well as the desperate need to protect his creaking knees which so often conspired against him on the low-bouncing lawns of the All England Club.

"I am running less so I need to serve better. I probably cannot play 20 weeks a year any more,''&nbsp;said 33-year-old Nadal.

"I am serving better. I am hitting the backhand better. Maybe volleying better, slicing better," he added.

In terms of the bare statistics, there is little to choose between them.

Nadal has served up 47 aces so far and been broken just four times; Federer has 42 aces, dropping serve on only three occasions.

The Spanish third seed has yet to face a seeded player and has only been truly tested once, in his four-set second-round victory over Nick Kyrgios in what was comfortably the tournament's most bad-tempered match.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-wins-100th-wimbledon-match-sets-up-clash-with-rafael-nadal-in-semi-final-234850">Federer</a>, 37, is the oldest man in the semi-finals of a Slam since 39-year-old Jimmy Connors at the 1991 US Open.

He is in his 13th semi-final at the tournament and 45th at the majors.

In a career illuminated by landmarks, he became the first man to register 100 match wins at a single Slam when he came back from a set down to beat Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals.

'Rafa can hurt you' 
 
Federer is wary of the dangers presented by Nadal.

His loss in Paris, which took place in what he described as "insane" windy conditions, was his heaviest at the Slams in 11 years.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-rafael-nadal-keen-for-semi-final-duel-against-roger-federer-234859">Rafa </a>really can hurt anybody on any surface," said Federer.

"He's serving way different. I remember back in the day how he used to serve, and now how much bigger he's serving, how much faster he finishes points," he added.

The eager anticipation of their 40th clash has relegated defending champion Novak Djokovic's push for a fifth title to second billing.

The top seed and world number one reached the semi-finals for the ninth time, racking up his 70th career win at the All England Club by sweeping past David Goffin in straight sets, reeling off 15 of the last 17 games.

In his 36th Grand Slam semi-final, the 15-time major winner faces Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut who is in his maiden last-four at the majors at the 27th attempt.

Djokovic leads the 31-year-old 7-3 in career meetings, including 3-0 at the majors.

However, the unheralded Spaniard, who had to cancel plans for his stag party in Ibiza as a consequence of his run to the semi-finals, has defeated Djokovic twice in 2019, in Doha and Miami.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal battle for a place in the Wimbledon final on Friday, 11 years after they mesmerised Centre Court in a Grand Slam championship match widely regarded as the greatest ever played.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal battle for a place in the Wimbledon final on Friday, 11 years after they mesmerised Centre Court in a Grand Slam championship match widely regarded as the greatest ever played. Nadal emerged triumphant that day, winning in five sets in a four-hour 48-minute epic of fluctuating fortunes that stretched out over seven hours because of constant, momentum-shifting rain interruptions. The Spaniard won 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 (8/10), 9-7 as the clock ticked past 9 pm and with the famous stadium in near-darkness. Over a decade later, the sport's two most successful players now have 38 Grand Slam titles between them and more than $100 million in prize money each. Nadal, the 2008 and 2010 champion at Wimbledon, has the edge overall, leading his great rival and friend 24-15 and 10-3 at the Slams. However, it is eight-time champion Federer who just edges their Wimbledon head-to-head 2-1 after winning the 2006 and 2007 finals before Nadal famously broke the spell in 2008. Nadal, who demolished Federer in straight sets in the semi-finals at Roland Garros last month on his way to the 12th title in Paris, admits his game has developed since 2008. Mostly, that's due to his age as well as the desperate need to protect his creaking knees which so often conspired against him on the low-bouncing lawns of the All England Club. "I am running less so I need to serve better. I probably cannot play 20 weeks a year any more,'' said 33-year-old Nadal. "I am serving better. I am hitting the backhand better. Maybe volleying better, slicing better," he added. In terms of the bare statistics, there is little to choose between them. Nadal has served up 47 aces so far and been broken just four times; Federer has 42 aces, dropping serve on only three occasions. The Spanish third seed has yet to face a seeded player and has only been truly tested once, in his four-set second-round victory over Nick Kyrgios in what was comfortably the tournament's most bad-tempered match. Federer, 37, is the oldest man in the semi-finals of a Slam since 39-year-old Jimmy Connors at the 1991 US Open. He is in his 13th semi-final at the tournament and 45th at the majors. In a career illuminated by landmarks, he became the first man to register 100 match wins at a single Slam when he came back from a set down to beat Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals. 'Rafa can hurt you' Federer is wary of the dangers presented by Nadal. His loss in Paris, which took place in what he described as "insane" windy conditions, was his heaviest at the Slams in 11 years. "Rafa really can hurt anybody on any surface," said Federer. "He's serving way different. I remember back in the day how he used to serve, and now how much bigger he's serving, how much faster he finishes points," he added. The eager anticipation of their 40th clash has relegated defending champion Novak Djokovic's push for a fifth title to second billing. The top seed and world number one reached the semi-finals for the ninth time, racking up his 70th career win at the All England Club by sweeping past David Goffin in straight sets, reeling off 15 of the last 17 games. In his 36th Grand Slam semi-final, the 15-time major winner faces Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut who is in his maiden last-four at the majors at the 27th attempt. Djokovic leads the 31-year-old 7-3 in career meetings, including 3-0 at the majors. However, the unheralded Spaniard, who had to cancel plans for his stag party in Ibiza as a consequence of his run to the semi-finals, has defeated Djokovic twice in 2019, in Doha and Miami.

Wimbledon: Rafael Nadal can really hurt on any court, says Roger Federer ahead of semi-final battle

An online auction of German tennis great <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/boris-becker-auctions-trophies-to-pay-off-debts-229944&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwido4el2a7jAhUGuY8KHav_CFAQFjABegQIDRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw3kRTuWquGmdUJ1ugVv7qfB">Boris Becker</a>'s trophies and memorabilia has raised more than $852,652, with his 1989 US&nbsp;Open trophy attracting the highest bid of £150,250.

The 51-year-old was declared bankrupt by a British court in 2017 in connection to a debt to private bankers Arbuthnot Latham &amp; Co, and the company dealing with his bankruptcy decided to auction 82 items from his collection.

They included a replica of the Davis Cup winners trophy, which fetched £52,100, an international tennis hall of fame ring as well as watches and playing clothes.

The auction was to be held last year but was delayed after Becker claimed diplomatic immunity from bankruptcy proceedings by taking up a role with Central African Republic as a sports envoy.

"The highest bid in 2018 for the US&nbsp;Open Trophy was £36,000 and this year it is £150,250, which is fantastic," Smith and Williamson's Mark Ford, lead trustee to Becker's bankruptcy estate, told the BBC.

Ford hoped a number of Becker's missing Grand Slam trophies would be located and recovered. Becker issued an appeal to the public last year after discovering they had been misplaced.

Becker won six Grand Slam singles titles in his career, including three at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-wins-100th-wimbledon-match-sets-up-clash-with-rafael-nadal-in-semi-final-234850">Wimbledon</a>, and a doubles gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

An online auction of German tennis great Boris Becker's trophies and memorabilia has raised more than $852,652, with his 1989 US Open trophy attracting the highest bid of £150,250.

An online auction of German tennis great Boris Becker's trophies and memorabilia has raised more than $852,652, with his 1989 US Open trophy attracting the highest bid of £150,250. The 51-year-old was declared bankrupt by a British court in 2017 in connection to a debt to private bankers Arbuthnot Latham & Co, and the company dealing with his bankruptcy decided to auction 82 items from his collection. They included a replica of the Davis Cup winners trophy, which fetched £52,100, an international tennis hall of fame ring as well as watches and playing clothes. The auction was to be held last year but was delayed after Becker claimed diplomatic immunity from bankruptcy proceedings by taking up a role with Central African Republic as a sports envoy. "The highest bid in 2018 for the US Open Trophy was £36,000 and this year it is £150,250, which is fantastic," Smith and Williamson's Mark Ford, lead trustee to Becker's bankruptcy estate, told the BBC. Ford hoped a number of Becker's missing Grand Slam trophies would be located and recovered. Becker issued an appeal to the public last year after discovering they had been misplaced. Becker won six Grand Slam singles titles in his career, including three at Wimbledon, and a doubles gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Boris Becker's trophy auction to pay off debts raises over $852,652

Roger Federer chalked up another monumental milestone to reach the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-destroys-david-goffin-to-reach-semis-234792">Wimbledon semi-finals </a>on Wednesday, recovering to beat Japan's Kei Nishikori in four sets and become the first man to record a century of singles wins at any Grand Slam.

Federer, who won 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 and now faces Rafa Nadal in a mouthwatering contest, was so poor in the first set that the eighth-seeded Nishikori may have felt the 37-year-old Swiss's advancing years had finally caught up with him.

Yet the remainder of the match had just enough flourishes of pure brilliance from the eight times champion and number two seed to make it a worthy occasion for the Swiss to become the sole male member of the Grand Slam 100 club.

Federer's victory ensured Wimbledon will play host to one of the sport's greatest rivalries after Nadal also overcame big-serving American Sam Querrey in straight sets to tee up a semi-final clash between the two old foes.

The duo have not met at the All England Club since their titanic tussle in 2008 final when Nadal outlasted Federer over five thrilling sets that finished late in the evening gloom.

The two most successful proponents of the men's game have gone toe-to-toe on 39 occasions, with Nadal winning for the 24th time in their French Open semi-final last month.

To put Federer's achievements at Wimbledon into perspective, Nadal's straight-sets victory at Roland Garros was his 92nd on Paris's red clay and while a 93rd and 12th singles title duly followed, he is still short of Federer's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-into-ninth-wimbledon-semi-as-roger-federer-rafael-nadal-eye-match-up-234773">Wimbledon </a>ton.

"It's special," said the Swiss of his latest numerical feat. "If I look back at the hundred, some were so incredibly cool."

PIERCING FOCUS

There was a brief time on Wednesday, however, when it looked like Nishikori may play party pooper.

Federer's poor start was seemingly not down to any devilish play or beguiling gameplan from Nishikori, but rather the result of a dramatic drop in standards by the number two seed.

His timing was off, the usual sweet sound of ball-on-racket that is almost unique to the great Swiss was absent, replaced by a duller thud as shots repeatedly flew off target.

The crowd sat dumbfounded as Nishikori despatched a delicate volley to break in the opening game and watched on bemused as the Japanese created another three break points in the third game and one more in the fifth.

In winning that opening set, Nishikori, one of tennis's most attractive shotmakers, carved out as many breakpoints on the Federer serve as the Swiss had faced in his previous two matches.

"Even if I'm down a set or down a break, no hurry there. I stay calm," said Federer, whose ability to stay ice cool under pressure seemed to be the only part of his game still functioning in the first set.

Yet when you have spent the best part of two decades weaving magic spells on Centre Court, you know how to pull a rabbit out of the hat when you most need it.

In the blink of an eye, the impostor who had seemingly replaced Federer in the early games was nowhere to be seen as the real deal strode out for the second set and promptly won 12 points in a row to take a 3-0 lead.

The ragged, leggy lethargy of the Swiss's early play had lifted and in its place, a piercing focus carried <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-eyes-100th-wimbledon-win-234551">Federer </a>to the second set in 22 minutes.

Nishikori kept the match alive as a contest but was constantly battling to defend his serve and one running backhand by the Swiss was delivered with such devastating venom that the Japanese could only bow his head in appreciation.

Federer delivered the decisive blows against the Nishikori serve in the seventh game of the third set and ninth game of the fourth before the contest was ended after two hours and 36 minutes when the Swiss fired down a 12th ace.

Roger Federer chalked up another monumental milestone to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals on Wednesday, recovering to beat Japan's Kei Nishikori in four sets and become the first man to record a century of singles wins at any Grand Slam.

Roger Federer chalked up another monumental milestone to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals on Wednesday, recovering to beat Japan's Kei Nishikori in four sets and become the first man to record a century of singles wins at any Grand Slam. Federer, who won 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 and now faces Rafa Nadal in a mouthwatering contest, was so poor in the first set that the eighth-seeded Nishikori may have felt the 37-year-old Swiss's advancing years had finally caught up with him. Yet the remainder of the match had just enough flourishes of pure brilliance from the eight times champion and number two seed to make it a worthy occasion for the Swiss to become the sole male member of the Grand Slam 100 club. Federer's victory ensured Wimbledon will play host to one of the sport's greatest rivalries after Nadal also overcame big-serving American Sam Querrey in straight sets to tee up a semi-final clash between the two old foes. The duo have not met at the All England Club since their titanic tussle in 2008 final when Nadal outlasted Federer over five thrilling sets that finished late in the evening gloom. The two most successful proponents of the men's game have gone toe-to-toe on 39 occasions, with Nadal winning for the 24th time in their French Open semi-final last month. To put Federer's achievements at Wimbledon into perspective, Nadal's straight-sets victory at Roland Garros was his 92nd on Paris's red clay and while a 93rd and 12th singles title duly followed, he is still short of Federer's Wimbledon ton. "It's special," said the Swiss of his latest numerical feat. "If I look back at the hundred, some were so incredibly cool." PIERCING FOCUS There was a brief time on Wednesday, however, when it looked like Nishikori may play party pooper. Federer's poor start was seemingly not down to any devilish play or beguiling gameplan from Nishikori, but rather the result of a dramatic drop in standards by the number two seed. His timing was off, the usual sweet sound of ball-on-racket that is almost unique to the great Swiss was absent, replaced by a duller thud as shots repeatedly flew off target. The crowd sat dumbfounded as Nishikori despatched a delicate volley to break in the opening game and watched on bemused as the Japanese created another three break points in the third game and one more in the fifth. In winning that opening set, Nishikori, one of tennis's most attractive shotmakers, carved out as many breakpoints on the Federer serve as the Swiss had faced in his previous two matches. "Even if I'm down a set or down a break, no hurry there. I stay calm," said Federer, whose ability to stay ice cool under pressure seemed to be the only part of his game still functioning in the first set. Yet when you have spent the best part of two decades weaving magic spells on Centre Court, you know how to pull a rabbit out of the hat when you most need it. In the blink of an eye, the impostor who had seemingly replaced Federer in the early games was nowhere to be seen as the real deal strode out for the second set and promptly won 12 points in a row to take a 3-0 lead. The ragged, leggy lethargy of the Swiss's early play had lifted and in its place, a piercing focus carried Federer to the second set in 22 minutes. Nishikori kept the match alive as a contest but was constantly battling to defend his serve and one running backhand by the Swiss was delivered with such devastating venom that the Japanese could only bow his head in appreciation. Federer delivered the decisive blows against the Nishikori serve in the seventh game of the third set and ninth game of the fourth before the contest was ended after two hours and 36 minutes when the Swiss fired down a 12th ace.

Roger Federer wins 100th Wimbledon match, sets up clash with Rafael Nadal in semi-final

Rafael Nadal looked ahead Wednesday to the latest chapter in his "unique" rivalry with Roger Federer at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-and-serena-williams-wimbledon-dream-over-234769">Wimbledon </a>but regretted that the two heavyweights may never slug it out at the US Open.

Nadal and Federer will meet for the 40th time on Friday in the semi-finals at Wimbledon, in what will be the pair's fourth meeting at the All England Club.

Federer won the 2006 and 2007 finals before Nadal claimed the 2008 title in a five-set epic.

At Roland Garros, the pair have clashed six times while they have met on four occasions at the Australian Open.

But when it comes to the season's final Grand Slam in New York, the two have never managed to face off on the 24,000-capacity Arthur Ashe Stadium, the sport's largest arena.

That's despite Federer having five titles at the US Open while Nadal has three.

The 32-year-old Spaniard said that as much as he has enjoyed their rivalry at Wimbledon, the New York gap in their head-to-head record was a source of regret.

"We played a lot of good matches. Here in this tournament, we played two great finals, 2007 and 2008. Have been two emotional matches.''

"Personally, 2008 was a little bit more emotional for me. But I appreciate the fact that I was part of 2007, too.''

"Then we played a lot of matches all around the world. Only in New York, we didn't play. That's the only bad news," Nadal said.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Nadal was written off as a grass court force when he failed to get beyond the fourth round at the tournament between 2012 and 2017.

However, he came agonisingly close to the final in 2018 when he lost to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-destroys-david-goffin-to-reach-semis-234792">Novak Djokovic</a> in a five-hour, 16-minute semi-final.

"To play against Roger always is a unique situation. Excited to be back on this court against him after 11 years," added Nadal.

"Always I say the same -- the opportunities to play against each other every time are less, but we are still here. After tomorrow we going to have another chance," said Nadal.

Rafael Nadal looked ahead Wednesday to the latest chapter in his "unique" rivalry with Roger Federer at Wimbledon but regretted that the two heavyweights may never slug it out at the US Open.

Rafael Nadal looked ahead Wednesday to the latest chapter in his "unique" rivalry with Roger Federer at Wimbledon but regretted that the two heavyweights may never slug it out at the US Open. Nadal and Federer will meet for the 40th time on Friday in the semi-finals at Wimbledon, in what will be the pair's fourth meeting at the All England Club. Federer won the 2006 and 2007 finals before Nadal claimed the 2008 title in a five-set epic. At Roland Garros, the pair have clashed six times while they have met on four occasions at the Australian Open. But when it comes to the season's final Grand Slam in New York, the two have never managed to face off on the 24,000-capacity Arthur Ashe Stadium, the sport's largest arena. That's despite Federer having five titles at the US Open while Nadal has three. The 32-year-old Spaniard said that as much as he has enjoyed their rivalry at Wimbledon, the New York gap in their head-to-head record was a source of regret. "We played a lot of good matches. Here in this tournament, we played two great finals, 2007 and 2008. Have been two emotional matches.'' "Personally, 2008 was a little bit more emotional for me. But I appreciate the fact that I was part of 2007, too.'' "Then we played a lot of matches all around the world. Only in New York, we didn't play. That's the only bad news," Nadal said. Two-time Wimbledon champion Nadal was written off as a grass court force when he failed to get beyond the fourth round at the tournament between 2012 and 2017. However, he came agonisingly close to the final in 2018 when he lost to Novak Djokovic in a five-hour, 16-minute semi-final. "To play against Roger always is a unique situation. Excited to be back on this court against him after 11 years," added Nadal. "Always I say the same -- the opportunities to play against each other every time are less, but we are still here. After tomorrow we going to have another chance," said Nadal.

Wimbledon: Rafael Nadal keen for semi-final duel against Roger Federer

Simona Halep is the last woman standing between&nbsp;Serena&nbsp;Williams and achieving her long-held ambition of equalling Margaret Court's Grand Slam title record after both recorded easy victories in their Wimbledon semi-finals on Thursday.

Seven-time champion Williams made short work of plucky unseeded Czech Barbora Strycova, whose experience of her first ever Grand Slams singles semi-final in her 53rd campaign lasted just under an hour as she lost 6-1, 6-2.

Former world number one Halep's clash with Ukrainian Elina Svitolina lasted a bit longer but the 27-year-old ran out a 6-1, 6-3 victor to become the first Romanian woman to reach the Wimbledon final.

Williams has missed the chance to equal Australian Court's record on two occasions since returning from giving birth -- losing last year's Wimbledon final and then a bad-tempered defeat in the US Open final.

"It feels good to be in the final again after the year I have had," said 37-year-old Williams.

"I have just needed matches to feel good and do what I do best and that is play tennis

"I love what I do. I have a great job and I am still pretty good at it. I get a remarkable experience every time."

Williams produced a dominant performance on Thursday which has not always been the case during the Championships and she said she would not be taking seventh-seeded Halep lightly.

"She's a tough opponent," said Williams. "We always have great matches. I look forward to it."

Strycova, who never managed to impose her delightful stroke-filled game on her opponent, at least has the consolation of perhaps winning the women's doubles. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Halep, who was French Open champion in 2018, will be playing in her fifth Grand Slam final.

"It's an amazing feeling but I am also excited and nervous. It is one of the best moments of my life," said Halep.

"The match was not easy, the games were long and went deep.

"I fought hard to win this match and I was strong mentally and physically and had the right tactics."

Halep, who had knocked out new star, 15-year-old Coco Gauff in the last 16, lost in her previous semi-final appearance at Wimbledon to Eugenie Bouchard in 2014.

However, she said she was a different player now and had taken to grass.

"I have more experience, I don't give up anymore," se said.

"I plan to be the best version of myself and fight to the end."

'Kicking the ball'

The easy manner in which former world number one Halep wrapped up the match had not looked on the cards at the outset.

Svitolina, the first Ukrainian woman to reach a Grand Slam semi-final, and Halep traded shots aplenty and break points in the opening two games which took over 20 minutes to complete but Halep emerged on top with a 2-0 lead.

Svitolina, being watched from the players box by her English coach Andy Bettles and French boyfriend and ATP star Gael Monfils, briefly raised her game to break back.

However, Halep broke again immediately and 24-year-old Svitolina gave an indication of her increasing frustration when she netted a simple volley and lashed out, kicking the ball into the net.

Worse was to come for Svitolina on her next service game wheh Halep produced a stunning shot to go 5-1.

The 27-year-old Romanian dashed across court to get to Svitolina's drop shot and flashed it cross court.

Halep, who had not faced a seeded player until Svitolina, faced some resistance as she served for the set eventually taking it on her sixth set point.

Although Svitolina stayed with Halep for the first part of the second set, the self-belief and fight had gone and when the Romanian broke for 4-3 it was game over.

All that was left was for Halep to blow a kiss skywards in celebration on sealing the match.

Simona Halep is the last woman standing between Serena Williams and achieving her long-held ambition of equalling Margaret Court's Grand Slam title record after both recorded easy victories in their Wimbledon semi-finals on Thursday.

Simona Halep is the last woman standing between Serena Williams and achieving her long-held ambition of equalling Margaret Court's Grand Slam title record after both recorded easy victories in their Wimbledon semi-finals on Thursday. Seven-time champion Williams made short work of plucky unseeded Czech Barbora Strycova, whose experience of her first ever Grand Slams singles semi-final in her 53rd campaign lasted just under an hour as she lost 6-1, 6-2. Former world number one Halep's clash with Ukrainian Elina Svitolina lasted a bit longer but the 27-year-old ran out a 6-1, 6-3 victor to become the first Romanian woman to reach the Wimbledon final. Williams has missed the chance to equal Australian Court's record on two occasions since returning from giving birth -- losing last year's Wimbledon final and then a bad-tempered defeat in the US Open final. "It feels good to be in the final again after the year I have had," said 37-year-old Williams. "I have just needed matches to feel good and do what I do best and that is play tennis "I love what I do. I have a great job and I am still pretty good at it. I get a remarkable experience every time." Williams produced a dominant performance on Thursday which has not always been the case during the Championships and she said she would not be taking seventh-seeded Halep lightly. "She's a tough opponent," said Williams. "We always have great matches. I look forward to it." Strycova, who never managed to impose her delightful stroke-filled game on her opponent, at least has the consolation of perhaps winning the women's doubles. Halep, who was French Open champion in 2018, will be playing in her fifth Grand Slam final. "It's an amazing feeling but I am also excited and nervous. It is one of the best moments of my life," said Halep. "The match was not easy, the games were long and went deep. "I fought hard to win this match and I was strong mentally and physically and had the right tactics." Halep, who had knocked out new star, 15-year-old Coco Gauff in the last 16, lost in her previous semi-final appearance at Wimbledon to Eugenie Bouchard in 2014. However, she said she was a different player now and had taken to grass. "I have more experience, I don't give up anymore," se said. "I plan to be the best version of myself and fight to the end." 'Kicking the ball' The easy manner in which former world number one Halep wrapped up the match had not looked on the cards at the outset. Svitolina, the first Ukrainian woman to reach a Grand Slam semi-final, and Halep traded shots aplenty and break points in the opening two games which took over 20 minutes to complete but Halep emerged on top with a 2-0 lead. Svitolina, being watched from the players box by her English coach Andy Bettles and French boyfriend and ATP star Gael Monfils, briefly raised her game to break back. However, Halep broke again immediately and 24-year-old Svitolina gave an indication of her increasing frustration when she netted a simple volley and lashed out, kicking the ball into the net. Worse was to come for Svitolina on her next service game wheh Halep produced a stunning shot to go 5-1. The 27-year-old Romanian dashed across court to get to Svitolina's drop shot and flashed it cross court. Halep, who had not faced a seeded player until Svitolina, faced some resistance as she served for the set eventually taking it on her sixth set point. Although Svitolina stayed with Halep for the first part of the second set, the self-belief and fight had gone and when the Romanian broke for 4-3 it was game over. All that was left was for Halep to blow a kiss skywards in celebration on sealing the match.

Serena Williams to face Simona Halep in Wimbledon final

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Roger+Federer">Roger Federer</a> can rack up his 100th win at Wimbledon on Wednesday and set-up a blockbuster semi-final against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Rafael+Nadal">Rafael Nadal</a>.

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.

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'Nishikori great talent'

"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."

Nishikori is bidding to become the first Japanese man since Jiro Satoh in 1933 to make the semi-finals at Wimbledon.

Nadal, playing in his seventh Wimbledon quarter-final, faces Querrey backed up by a 4-1 record over the 65th-ranked American.

Querrey made the semi-finals in 2017, beating then world number one Andy Murray in the last-eight before falling to Marin Cilic.

The American has pounded down 100 aces so far at the tournament, dropped serve just once and accounted for fifth seed Dominic Thiem in the first round.

"When he plays well, he can be very, very dangerous on all surfaces," said Nadal, whose recent 12th French Open title took him to 18 majors, just two back from Federer's record.

Querrey hopes to be the first unseeded player in the semi-finals since Marat Safin and Rainer Schuettler both made it in 2008.

Top seed Djokovic has a 5-1 record over his quarter-final opponent David Goffin who, at 28, is the youngest man left.

Belgian 21st seed Goffin beat Djokovic the last time they met in 2017 but that was on the clay of Monte Carlo.

Goffin is playing in his first All England Club quarter-final but was runner-up to Federer on the grass of Halle on the eve of Wimbledon.

"He's one of the quickest players on the tour. I think his footwork is probably his biggest asset," said Djokovic ahead of his 11th Wimbledon quarter-final and 45th at the Slams.

Wednesday's other quarter-final pits Argentine 26th seed Guido Pella, who had never previously got into the second week of a Slam, against Spanish 23rd seed Roberto Bautista Agut.&nbsp;

Whereas 29-year-old Pella is in unchartered territory, Bautista Agut is in his second Slam quarter-final of the season having also gone to the last eight at the Australian Open.

Pella has spent six more hours on court than Bautista Agut in getting to his first quarter-finals at the majors.

Roger Federer can rack up his 100th win at Wimbledon on Wednesday 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.

Roger Federer can rack up his 100th win at Wimbledon on Wednesday 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. Everything you need to know about men's quarter-finals day. #Wimbledon https://t.co/yuyDJCz2Pf — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2019 × 'Nishikori great talent' "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." Nishikori is bidding to become the first Japanese man since Jiro Satoh in 1933 to make the semi-finals at Wimbledon. Nadal, playing in his seventh Wimbledon quarter-final, faces Querrey backed up by a 4-1 record over the 65th-ranked American. Querrey made the semi-finals in 2017, beating then world number one Andy Murray in the last-eight before falling to Marin Cilic. The American has pounded down 100 aces so far at the tournament, dropped serve just once and accounted for fifth seed Dominic Thiem in the first round. "When he plays well, he can be very, very dangerous on all surfaces," said Nadal, whose recent 12th French Open title took him to 18 majors, just two back from Federer's record. Querrey hopes to be the first unseeded player in the semi-finals since Marat Safin and Rainer Schuettler both made it in 2008. Top seed Djokovic has a 5-1 record over his quarter-final opponent David Goffin who, at 28, is the youngest man left. Belgian 21st seed Goffin beat Djokovic the last time they met in 2017 but that was on the clay of Monte Carlo. Goffin is playing in his first All England Club quarter-final but was runner-up to Federer on the grass of Halle on the eve of Wimbledon. "He's one of the quickest players on the tour. I think his footwork is probably his biggest asset," said Djokovic ahead of his 11th Wimbledon quarter-final and 45th at the Slams. Wednesday's other quarter-final pits Argentine 26th seed Guido Pella, who had never previously got into the second week of a Slam, against Spanish 23rd seed Roberto Bautista Agut. Whereas 29-year-old Pella is in unchartered territory, Bautista Agut is in his second Slam quarter-final of the season having also gone to the last eight at the Australian Open. Pella has spent six more hours on court than Bautista Agut in getting to his first quarter-finals at the majors.

Roger Federer eyes 100th Wimbledon win

Johanna Konta's often tetchy relationship with Britain's tennis media corps turned sour again as she accused them of "picking on me" after her quarter-final loss to Czech Barbora Strycova at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-survives-riske-business-to-reach-wimbledon-semis-234457">Wimbledon </a>on Tuesday.

The Sydney-born, 28-year-old raised home hopes when she powered into a 4-1 lead against the unseeded Strycova but things turned ugly as she slumped to a 7-6(5), 6-1 Centre Court defeat.

While the 33-year-old Strycova played impressively to outsmart the 19th seed, Konta was the architect of her own downfall as she blazed 34 unforced errors against an opponent who simply had too much guile.

The outcome ended Britain's hopes of a first women's singles champion here since Virginia Wade in 1977.

Considering Konta is a three-time <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-simona-halep-enters-semis-after-defeating-zhang-shuai-234451">Grand Slam</a> semi-finalist with a career-high ranking of four and was a clear favourite to win Tuesday's match, it did not seem unreasonable for her to be asked whether she could have performed better.

Perhaps the pressure of being Britain's big hope in the absence of Andy Murray from the singles had got to her, but Konta was in no mood for negativity.

"Is that in your professional tennis opinion?" she snapped during a post-match news conference. "Okay. I mean, I don't think you need to pick on me in a harsh way. I think I'm very open with you guys. I say how I feel out there. If you don't want to accept that answer or you don't agree with it, that's fine.''

"I still believe in the tennis I play. I believe in the way I competed. I don't have much else to say to your question."

Pushed further, she said,&nbsp;"Please don't patronise me...''

"No, no, you are. In the way you're asking your question, you're being quite disrespectful and you're patronising me.''

"I'm a professional competitor who did her best today, and that's all there is to that," Konta said.

Konta had reached her second Wimbledon quarter-final with impressive victories over former US&nbsp;Open champion Sloane Stephens and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova.

Despite losing her only previous match with Strycova it still seemed an inviting route to a semi-final date with Serena Williams but for the second Grand Slam in a row, an unseeded Czech proved her undoing.

With a first Grand Slam final beckoning in the French Open <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-ashleigh-barty-karolina-pliskova-exit-as-serena-williams-sails-through-to-quarter-finals-234225">semi-finals</a> last month, Konta lost 7-5, 7-6 to teenager Marketa Vondrousova, blowing 5-3 leads in both sets.

Konta remains convinced, however, that she will end Britain's long wait for a successor to Wade.

"I think the best I can do is put myself in the positions, to give myself the opportunity to keep going further and further. I mean, it will either happen or it won't," she said.

"I'm no less of a person or a player if I don't get past this point. Equally so if I do.''

"I play this game with dignity, and I love the sport. I'm grateful for everything that it brings me," said Konta.

Konta has fallen out with the British media before.

After her fourth successive French Open first-round defeat last year, she appeared to blame the loss on reporters.

"If every time you went in to work, let's say you went into work because..., and let's say for a few years your pieces of writing have just been crap every time when you come into Roland Garros. Right? Just crap. Then your colleagues start to say, 'You know, you really suck around that time.' And that happens, you know, for a few years. How would you guys digest that?," added Konta.

Johanna Konta's often tetchy relationship with Britain's tennis media corps turned sour again as she accused them of "picking on me" after her quarter-final loss to Czech Barbora Strycova at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

Johanna Konta's often tetchy relationship with Britain's tennis media corps turned sour again as she accused them of "picking on me" after her quarter-final loss to Czech Barbora Strycova at Wimbledon on Tuesday. The Sydney-born, 28-year-old raised home hopes when she powered into a 4-1 lead against the unseeded Strycova but things turned ugly as she slumped to a 7-6(5), 6-1 Centre Court defeat. While the 33-year-old Strycova played impressively to outsmart the 19th seed, Konta was the architect of her own downfall as she blazed 34 unforced errors against an opponent who simply had too much guile. The outcome ended Britain's hopes of a first women's singles champion here since Virginia Wade in 1977. Considering Konta is a three-time Grand Slam semi-finalist with a career-high ranking of four and was a clear favourite to win Tuesday's match, it did not seem unreasonable for her to be asked whether she could have performed better. Perhaps the pressure of being Britain's big hope in the absence of Andy Murray from the singles had got to her, but Konta was in no mood for negativity. "Is that in your professional tennis opinion?" she snapped during a post-match news conference. "Okay. I mean, I don't think you need to pick on me in a harsh way. I think I'm very open with you guys. I say how I feel out there. If you don't want to accept that answer or you don't agree with it, that's fine.'' "I still believe in the tennis I play. I believe in the way I competed. I don't have much else to say to your question." Pushed further, she said, "Please don't patronise me...'' "No, no, you are. In the way you're asking your question, you're being quite disrespectful and you're patronising me.'' "I'm a professional competitor who did her best today, and that's all there is to that," Konta said. Konta had reached her second Wimbledon quarter-final with impressive victories over former US Open champion Sloane Stephens and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova. Despite losing her only previous match with Strycova it still seemed an inviting route to a semi-final date with Serena Williams but for the second Grand Slam in a row, an unseeded Czech proved her undoing. With a first Grand Slam final beckoning in the French Open semi-finals last month, Konta lost 7-5, 7-6 to teenager Marketa Vondrousova, blowing 5-3 leads in both sets. Konta remains convinced, however, that she will end Britain's long wait for a successor to Wade. "I think the best I can do is put myself in the positions, to give myself the opportunity to keep going further and further. I mean, it will either happen or it won't," she said. "I'm no less of a person or a player if I don't get past this point. Equally so if I do.'' "I play this game with dignity, and I love the sport. I'm grateful for everything that it brings me," said Konta. Konta has fallen out with the British media before. After her fourth successive French Open first-round defeat last year, she appeared to blame the loss on reporters. "If every time you went in to work, let's say you went into work because..., and let's say for a few years your pieces of writing have just been crap every time when you come into Roland Garros. Right? Just crap. Then your colleagues start to say, 'You know, you really suck around that time.' And that happens, you know, for a few years. How would you guys digest that?," added Konta.

Wimbledon: Johanna Konta bursts out on media, calls them disrespectful, patronising

Four-time champion Novak Djokovic reached the Wimbledon semi-finals for the ninth time on Wednesday, racking up his 70th career win at the All England Club in the process.

The top seed and world number one hit back from a break down in the first set to carve out a commanding 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 win over 21st seed David Goffin of Belgium.

In a ruthless display, the defending champion reeled off 15 of the last 17 games to secure a place in the semi-finals of the majors for the 36th time.

Next up is Spanish 23rd seed Roberto Bautista Agut, who made his first Grand Slam semi-final with a 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 over Argentina's Guido Pella.

"He started well and was dictating play from the baseline," 32-year-old Djokovic said of Goffin.

"Things could have gone a different way if I had lost the first set but I was very pleased with the second and third.

He added: "I had a tough match in the third round (against Hubert Hurkacz). Other than that, I've won in straight sets and played really well throughout the tournament.

"It's exactly what I wanted and hopefully I can go in the right direction in the semis as well."

Goffin was on top in the early stages as he sensed the opportunity to become the first Belgian man to make the semi-finals at a Slam since Xavier Malisse at Wimbledon in 2002.

The 28-year-old broke for a 4-3 lead but 16-time Slam winner Djokovic then reeled off the next nine games, taking the first set, and the second in which he allowed the Belgian just four points on his serve.

Federer v Nadal in semis?

The contest was over by the time Djokovic broke for a 3-1 lead in the third set.

Bautista Agut, 31, booked his first appearance in a Slam last-four at the 27th attempt by seeing off Pella, who had never previously reached a quarter-final at the majors.

"Novak is the number one in the world and he's playing really well on grass," said Bautista Agut, who has a 3-7 record against the Serb.

However, two of those wins came this year in Doha and Miami.

Roger Federer can rack up his 100th win at Wimbledon later Wednesday and set-up a blockbuster semi-final against Rafael Nadal.

If it does happen, it will be their first match at the All England Club since 2008 when Nadal triumphed in what is widely regarded as the greatest-ever Wimbledon final.

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.

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.

Federer will take a 7-3 record over seventh-seeded Nishikori into his quarter-final.

Nishikori, playing in his second successive Wimbledon quarter-final, defeated the Swiss great in the ATP Finals last year, ending a drought which had stretched to almost five years.

He is bidding to become the first Japanese man since Jiro Satoh in 1933 to make the semi-finals.

Nadal, playing in his seventh Wimbledon quarter-final, faces Querrey backed up by a 4-1 record over the 65th-ranked American.

Querrey made the semi-finals in 2017, beating then world number one Andy Murray in the last-eight before falling to Marin Cilic.

The American has pounded down 100 aces so far at the tournament, dropped serve just once and accounted for fifth seed Dominic Thiem in the first round.

"When he plays well, he can be very, very dangerous on all surfaces," said Nadal, whose recent 12th French Open title took him to 18 majors, just two back from Federer's record.

Querrey hopes to be the first unseeded player in the semi-finals since Marat Safin and Rainer Schuettler both made it in 2008.

Four-time champion Novak Djokovic reached the Wimbledon semi-finals for the ninth time on Wednesday, racking up his 70th career win at the All England Club in the process.

Four-time champion Novak Djokovic reached the Wimbledon semi-finals for the ninth time on Wednesday, racking up his 70th career win at the All England Club in the process. The top seed and world number one hit back from a break down in the first set to carve out a commanding 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 win over 21st seed David Goffin of Belgium. In a ruthless display, the defending champion reeled off 15 of the last 17 games to secure a place in the semi-finals of the majors for the 36th time. Next up is Spanish 23rd seed Roberto Bautista Agut, who made his first Grand Slam semi-final with a 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 over Argentina's Guido Pella. "He started well and was dictating play from the baseline," 32-year-old Djokovic said of Goffin. "Things could have gone a different way if I had lost the first set but I was very pleased with the second and third. He added: "I had a tough match in the third round (against Hubert Hurkacz). Other than that, I've won in straight sets and played really well throughout the tournament. "It's exactly what I wanted and hopefully I can go in the right direction in the semis as well." Goffin was on top in the early stages as he sensed the opportunity to become the first Belgian man to make the semi-finals at a Slam since Xavier Malisse at Wimbledon in 2002. The 28-year-old broke for a 4-3 lead but 16-time Slam winner Djokovic then reeled off the next nine games, taking the first set, and the second in which he allowed the Belgian just four points on his serve. Federer v Nadal in semis? The contest was over by the time Djokovic broke for a 3-1 lead in the third set. Bautista Agut, 31, booked his first appearance in a Slam last-four at the 27th attempt by seeing off Pella, who had never previously reached a quarter-final at the majors. "Novak is the number one in the world and he's playing really well on grass," said Bautista Agut, who has a 3-7 record against the Serb. However, two of those wins came this year in Doha and Miami. Roger Federer can rack up his 100th win at Wimbledon later Wednesday and set-up a blockbuster semi-final against Rafael Nadal. If it does happen, it will be their first match at the All England Club since 2008 when Nadal triumphed in what is widely regarded as the greatest-ever Wimbledon final. 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. 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. Federer will take a 7-3 record over seventh-seeded Nishikori into his quarter-final. Nishikori, playing in his second successive Wimbledon quarter-final, defeated the Swiss great in the ATP Finals last year, ending a drought which had stretched to almost five years. He is bidding to become the first Japanese man since Jiro Satoh in 1933 to make the semi-finals. Nadal, playing in his seventh Wimbledon quarter-final, faces Querrey backed up by a 4-1 record over the 65th-ranked American. Querrey made the semi-finals in 2017, beating then world number one Andy Murray in the last-eight before falling to Marin Cilic. The American has pounded down 100 aces so far at the tournament, dropped serve just once and accounted for fifth seed Dominic Thiem in the first round. "When he plays well, he can be very, very dangerous on all surfaces," said Nadal, whose recent 12th French Open title took him to 18 majors, just two back from Federer's record. Querrey hopes to be the first unseeded player in the semi-finals since Marat Safin and Rainer Schuettler both made it in 2008.

Novak Djokovic into ninth Wimbledon semi as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal eye match-up

Andy Murray and Serena Williams' mixed doubles dream team came unstuck at Wimbledon on Wednesday when the star pairing were knocked out by the top seeds.

The pair lost 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 to Bruno Soares of Brazil and Nicole Melichar of the United States, who progress to the quarter-finals.

The third-round match was played out on the 4,000-seater Court Two sunken bowl -- a rare appearance outside the Centre Court and Court One big show courts for the likes of multiple former champions Murray and Williams.

British home favourite Murray, a former world number one, is easing his way back into tennis via the doubles after undergoing radical hip resurfacing surgery.

Andy Murray and Serena Williams' mixed doubles dream team came unstuck at Wimbledon on Wednesday when the star pairing were knocked out by the top seeds. The pair lost 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 to Bruno Soares of Brazil and Nicole Melichar of the United States, who progress to the quarter-finals.

Andy Murray and Serena Williams' mixed doubles dream team came unstuck at Wimbledon on Wednesday when the star pairing were knocked out by the top seeds. The pair lost 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 to Bruno Soares of Brazil and Nicole Melichar of the United States, who progress to the quarter-finals. The third-round match was played out on the 4,000-seater Court Two sunken bowl -- a rare appearance outside the Centre Court and Court One big show courts for the likes of multiple former champions Murray and Williams. British home favourite Murray, a former world number one, is easing his way back into tennis via the doubles after undergoing radical hip resurfacing surgery.

Andy Murray and Serena Williams' Wimbledon dream over

Serena Williams was fined $10,000 (£7,989) by the All England Club for damaging one of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-simona-halep-ends-cori-gauffs-fairytale-run-234093">Wimbledon</a>'s courts with her racket prior to the start of the tournament, media reported.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-serena-williams-form-wimbledon-mixed-doubles-dream-team-232624&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjIr62XmqfjAhUMRo8KHdzwCJcQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3JYxmi8iWquRCmDmDDJ0Cu">Williams</a>, who faces fellow American Alison Riske in the quarter-finals on Tuesday as she looks to win her 24th Grand Slam title, has yet to comment on the fine.

Fabio Fognini was also fined $3,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct after a rant during his third round defeat to Tennys Sandgren.

The Italian had said he hoped a "bomb" would explode at the All England Club.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-nick-kyrgios-admits-deliberately-hitting-ball-at-rafael-nadal-233181&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZhpuemqfjAhXw6nMBHVY6CfsQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1zdTXHbN7jttTnzZYR6HLe">Nick Kyrgios</a> was fined $8,000 in total from separate unsportsmanlike incidents in his first and second rounds.

The fiery Australian lost to Rafa Nadal in the second round.

Serena Williams was fined $10,000 (£7,989) by the All England Club for damaging one of Wimbledon's courts with her racket prior to the start of the tournament, media reported.

Serena Williams was fined $10,000 (£7,989) by the All England Club for damaging one of Wimbledon's courts with her racket prior to the start of the tournament, media reported. Williams, who faces fellow American Alison Riske in the quarter-finals on Tuesday as she looks to win her 24th Grand Slam title, has yet to comment on the fine. Fabio Fognini was also fined $3,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct after a rant during his third round defeat to Tennys Sandgren. The Italian had said he hoped a "bomb" would explode at the All England Club. Nick Kyrgios was fined $8,000 in total from separate unsportsmanlike incidents in his first and second rounds. The fiery Australian lost to Rafa Nadal in the second round.

Serena Williams fined $10,000 for damaging Wimbledon court

Coco Gauff's dream Wimbledon run came to an abrupt end on Monday when the consistency of seventh seed and former world number one Simona Halep proved a step too far for the 15-year-old American, who went down 6-3, 6-3 in only 75 minutes.

After stunning Venus Williams then saving two match points en route to beating Polona Hercog last week, Gauff was suddenly the hottest ticket in town but she was always going to find it tough against Halep, last year's French Open champion and the first top-10 opponent she had ever faced.

Bidding to become the youngest Wimbledon quarter-finalist since fellow-15-year-old Jennifer Capriati in 1991, Gauff was by no means overawed, keeping the crowd entertained with some crashing backhands and athletic recoveries, but there were also far too many simple errors that the American was never going to get away with at this stage of the tournament.

Halep, who had given an indication of her form when dismissing the dangerous Victoria Azarenka in the last round, initially struggled, including in the third game where she sent down three successive double faults.

But Gauff was even more inconsistent, mixing up some superb shots with some pretty awful ones.

Halep then began to find her range and quickly realised that she did not need to take too many risks, keeping the ball in play, accepting that the occasional winner would whistle past her but more often winning the point via a Gauff mistake.

That was enough to take the first set and the pattern continued, with more emphasis in a quickfire second.

Medical Treatment

Gauff, who needed courtside medical treatment between the sets, started to snatch at her shots and became too loose while Halep did what she needed to as the American racked up a total of 45 unforced errors in the match.

Gauff did save two match points when serving at 5-2 down but this time it was only a temporary reprieve as Halep finished her off in the next game.

The Romanian will now face China's Shuai Zhang in the quarter-finals and, with the bottom half of the draw looking wide open, Halep has a great chance of going on to make the final for the first time.

"I am really happy I can play in the quarter-finals again, it's one of my favourite tournaments," Halep said.

"I am not comparing myself with last year, that was the best because I won the French Open, but I want to win every match I play."

Gauff, who came to the tournament via a qualifying competiton wildcard and ranked 313, can also expect to be challenging in the second week again in the future, and has won a legion of new fans.

"Your journey is far from over," tweeted tennis great Billie Jean-King. "Looking forward to watching your future successes on and off the court. #Big fan."

Coco Gauff's dream Wimbledon run came to an abrupt end on Monday when the consistency of seventh seed and former world number one Simona Halep proved a step too far for the 15-year-old American, who went down 6-3, 6-3 in only 75 minutes.

Coco Gauff's dream Wimbledon run came to an abrupt end on Monday when the consistency of seventh seed and former world number one Simona Halep proved a step too far for the 15-year-old American, who went down 6-3, 6-3 in only 75 minutes. After stunning Venus Williams then saving two match points en route to beating Polona Hercog last week, Gauff was suddenly the hottest ticket in town but she was always going to find it tough against Halep, last year's French Open champion and the first top-10 opponent she had ever faced. Bidding to become the youngest Wimbledon quarter-finalist since fellow-15-year-old Jennifer Capriati in 1991, Gauff was by no means overawed, keeping the crowd entertained with some crashing backhands and athletic recoveries, but there were also far too many simple errors that the American was never going to get away with at this stage of the tournament. Halep, who had given an indication of her form when dismissing the dangerous Victoria Azarenka in the last round, initially struggled, including in the third game where she sent down three successive double faults. But Gauff was even more inconsistent, mixing up some superb shots with some pretty awful ones. Halep then began to find her range and quickly realised that she did not need to take too many risks, keeping the ball in play, accepting that the occasional winner would whistle past her but more often winning the point via a Gauff mistake. That was enough to take the first set and the pattern continued, with more emphasis in a quickfire second. Medical Treatment Gauff, who needed courtside medical treatment between the sets, started to snatch at her shots and became too loose while Halep did what she needed to as the American racked up a total of 45 unforced errors in the match. Gauff did save two match points when serving at 5-2 down but this time it was only a temporary reprieve as Halep finished her off in the next game. The Romanian will now face China's Shuai Zhang in the quarter-finals and, with the bottom half of the draw looking wide open, Halep has a great chance of going on to make the final for the first time. "I am really happy I can play in the quarter-finals again, it's one of my favourite tournaments," Halep said. "I am not comparing myself with last year, that was the best because I won the French Open, but I want to win every match I play." Gauff, who came to the tournament via a qualifying competiton wildcard and ranked 313, can also expect to be challenging in the second week again in the future, and has won a legion of new fans. "Your journey is far from over," tweeted tennis great Billie Jean-King. "Looking forward to watching your future successes on and off the court. #Big fan."

Wimbledon: Simona Halep ends Coco Gauff's fairytale run

Serena Williams clubbed her way into the Wimbledon semi-finals, draining the last drop of fight from fellow American Alison Riske before sealing a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win in a rip-roaring Centre Court contest on Tuesday.

For two sets, Riske absorbed every last punishing blow from the seven-time&nbsp;champion, while her own lightweight jab inflicted some early pain and then levelled the see-saw encounter at 1-1.

Williams' blows, however, became too frequent and too heavy in the final games, with the weaponised serve pushing the world number 55 Riske back on her heels, while her return worked like an old slugger's right-hook.

Having knocked out world number one Ash Barty in the last round and having spent over nine hours on court en route to the quarters - the longest path to the last eight of anyone since 2011 - Riske had shown a streak of pure Pittsburgh steel.

But Williams, who is hunting down a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title, is tennis tungsten, and recovered superbly from a brief wobble in which she lost the second set and fell a break behind in the third.

"I just needed to fight," said Williams. "She was not giving it to me. I needed to step up and take it. That's what I had to do."

She eventually charged over the finish line after more than two hours on court, bringing up match point when Riske netted a forehand and completing the job with her 19th ace of the match to set up a clash with either Johanna Konta or Barbora Strycova.

While the women's game is often exalted as being wildly unpredictable, Williams remains the exception to the rule and Tuesday's win secured her a 37th Grand Slam semi-final appearance.

She came into the quarters having won 96 singles matches at the All England Club, while the other seven players left in the draw had won 80 between them.

The discrepancy between Williams' achievements and those of Riske could not have been more stark.

The 29-year-old was playing her first Grand Slam quarter-final in her 30th major and had accumulated around $85 million less in prize money than Williams.

Yet the Pittsburgh native feels at home on grass and, with 11 of her 19 Grand Slam match wins coming at Wimbledon, she was never going to be a pushover for Williams, who is still feeling her way back after a niggling knee injury had limited her court time since the Australian Open in January.

Riske struck first, breaking in the third game before Williams had really got her legs into gear, but a 3-1 advantage was quickly wiped out as the 11th seed won five of the next six games to take the set.

The wild swings of momentum were briefly halted at the start of the second as the match went with serve until Williams lost hers in the ninth game.

In the blink of an eye she had lost the set and been broken again in the first game of the decider with the Centre Court crowd sniffing an upset.

The advantage then swung from player to player as Williams seized back the initiative to go 3-1 up and then seemed powerless as Riske moved her around the court, forcing a string of errors from the former world number one's racket.

Midway through the set, as the wind played havoc with her hair, Williams decided enough was enough, in more ways than one.

Pulling her hair into the tightest of buns at the changeover, she went about finishing off Riske with punishing efficiency.

"I just needed to get it out of the way, put the business bun up and just get to business," she said.

She put menacing pressure on the Riske serve, bringing up break point, before a double fault gave Williams a 5-3 lead, an advantage she was never going to relinquish.

Serena Williams clubbed her way into the Wimbledon semi-finals, draining the last drop of fight from fellow American Alison Riske before sealing a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win in a rip-roaring Centre Court contest on Tuesday.

Serena Williams clubbed her way into the Wimbledon semi-finals, draining the last drop of fight from fellow American Alison Riske before sealing a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win in a rip-roaring Centre Court contest on Tuesday. For two sets, Riske absorbed every last punishing blow from the seven-time champion, while her own lightweight jab inflicted some early pain and then levelled the see-saw encounter at 1-1. Williams' blows, however, became too frequent and too heavy in the final games, with the weaponised serve pushing the world number 55 Riske back on her heels, while her return worked like an old slugger's right-hook. Having knocked out world number one Ash Barty in the last round and having spent over nine hours on court en route to the quarters - the longest path to the last eight of anyone since 2011 - Riske had shown a streak of pure Pittsburgh steel. But Williams, who is hunting down a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title, is tennis tungsten, and recovered superbly from a brief wobble in which she lost the second set and fell a break behind in the third. "I just needed to fight," said Williams. "She was not giving it to me. I needed to step up and take it. That's what I had to do." She eventually charged over the finish line after more than two hours on court, bringing up match point when Riske netted a forehand and completing the job with her 19th ace of the match to set up a clash with either Johanna Konta or Barbora Strycova. While the women's game is often exalted as being wildly unpredictable, Williams remains the exception to the rule and Tuesday's win secured her a 37th Grand Slam semi-final appearance. She came into the quarters having won 96 singles matches at the All England Club, while the other seven players left in the draw had won 80 between them. The discrepancy between Williams' achievements and those of Riske could not have been more stark. The 29-year-old was playing her first Grand Slam quarter-final in her 30th major and had accumulated around $85 million less in prize money than Williams. Yet the Pittsburgh native feels at home on grass and, with 11 of her 19 Grand Slam match wins coming at Wimbledon, she was never going to be a pushover for Williams, who is still feeling her way back after a niggling knee injury had limited her court time since the Australian Open in January. Riske struck first, breaking in the third game before Williams had really got her legs into gear, but a 3-1 advantage was quickly wiped out as the 11th seed won five of the next six games to take the set. The wild swings of momentum were briefly halted at the start of the second as the match went with serve until Williams lost hers in the ninth game. In the blink of an eye she had lost the set and been broken again in the first game of the decider with the Centre Court crowd sniffing an upset. The advantage then swung from player to player as Williams seized back the initiative to go 3-1 up and then seemed powerless as Riske moved her around the court, forcing a string of errors from the former world number one's racket. Midway through the set, as the wind played havoc with her hair, Williams decided enough was enough, in more ways than one. Pulling her hair into the tightest of buns at the changeover, she went about finishing off Riske with punishing efficiency. "I just needed to get it out of the way, put the business bun up and just get to business," she said. She put menacing pressure on the Riske serve, bringing up break point, before a double fault gave Williams a 5-3 lead, an advantage she was never going to relinquish.

Serena Williams survives Riske business to reach Wimbledon semis

Former world number one Simona Halep reached her second Wimbledon semi-final after overcoming an early onslaught to deliver another textbook example of matchplay tennis and dispatch China's unseeded Zhang Shuai 7-6(4), 6-1 on Tuesday.

Just as she did in quelling the lively challenge of 15-year-old Coco Gauff on Monday, Halep initially struggled and looked in real danger when 4-1 down and facing more break points in the opening set. However, the Romanian dug in to see off the threat then played her usual percentage tennis as Zhang lost her way.

Seventh-seed Halep faces either Ukrainian eighth seed Elina Svitolina or unseeded Czech Karolina Muchova, who were playing later on Tuesday, as she bids to reach the final for the first time having lost to Eugenie Bouchard in the last four in 2014.

"I was a little bit nervous before the match, a little bit stressed, I knew that she was going to come and hit the ball strongly, Halep said.

"With her the ball doesn't bounce that much so it's really tough to return. But I kept fighting. I knew that I had to be 100 per cent for every ball, then I could break her rhythm a little bit. It happened in the second set."

Zhang, who won the pair's last two meetings in 2016, is ranked 50th and has reached the quarter-finals in only one Grand Slam event - the 2016 Australian Open.

However, she started superbly, serving and returning with depth, power and confidence to break in the second game and race to a 4-1 lead. That looked set to be 5-1 but Halep battled and chased to save four break points in a key game that lasted over 10 minutes and turned the match.

Calculated Groundstrokes

The 27-year-old Romanian, last year's French Open champion, began to find her own rhythm, delivering the calculated, low-risk groundstrokes that wore down American Gauff to hold, then broke back via a double fault.

Zhang's double-handed backhand, so deadly in the opening games, began to pepper the tramlines as the inconsistency indicated by her poor Grand Slam record became evident.

She clung on to get to a tiebreak but was well beaten in it and an early break in the second set put Halep 3-1 up.

Zhang's head then dropped and the errors flowed as Halep rattled through the remaining games at a canter.

"I was happy to make the quarter-finals and I had a really good start today," said Zhang. "I was hitting a lot of winners but after the 4-1 game I made more mistakes and she found a really good rhythm. Everything started to change then."

Halep said she now feels much more comfortable on grass having struggled on many of her previous appearances.

"It's a little bit dangerous when you play on grass because the feet are not really stable but now I've started to feel it, to have it in my hands, to have it in my legs, and also in my mind, which is very important," she said.

"I'm doing things to make the court work for me, like playing a little bit wider, then the ball slides a little bit because it's a grass court.

"I try to adjust myself, my body, to this court. I just feel more confident now."

Former world number one Simona Halep reached her second Wimbledon semi-final after overcoming an early onslaught to deliver another textbook example of matchplay tennis and dispatch China's unseeded Zhang Shuai 7-6(4), 6-1 on Tuesday.

Former world number one Simona Halep reached her second Wimbledon semi-final after overcoming an early onslaught to deliver another textbook example of matchplay tennis and dispatch China's unseeded Zhang Shuai 7-6(4), 6-1 on Tuesday. Just as she did in quelling the lively challenge of 15-year-old Coco Gauff on Monday, Halep initially struggled and looked in real danger when 4-1 down and facing more break points in the opening set. However, the Romanian dug in to see off the threat then played her usual percentage tennis as Zhang lost her way. Seventh-seed Halep faces either Ukrainian eighth seed Elina Svitolina or unseeded Czech Karolina Muchova, who were playing later on Tuesday, as she bids to reach the final for the first time having lost to Eugenie Bouchard in the last four in 2014. "I was a little bit nervous before the match, a little bit stressed, I knew that she was going to come and hit the ball strongly, Halep said. "With her the ball doesn't bounce that much so it's really tough to return. But I kept fighting. I knew that I had to be 100 per cent for every ball, then I could break her rhythm a little bit. It happened in the second set." Zhang, who won the pair's last two meetings in 2016, is ranked 50th and has reached the quarter-finals in only one Grand Slam event - the 2016 Australian Open. However, she started superbly, serving and returning with depth, power and confidence to break in the second game and race to a 4-1 lead. That looked set to be 5-1 but Halep battled and chased to save four break points in a key game that lasted over 10 minutes and turned the match. Calculated Groundstrokes The 27-year-old Romanian, last year's French Open champion, began to find her own rhythm, delivering the calculated, low-risk groundstrokes that wore down American Gauff to hold, then broke back via a double fault. Zhang's double-handed backhand, so deadly in the opening games, began to pepper the tramlines as the inconsistency indicated by her poor Grand Slam record became evident. She clung on to get to a tiebreak but was well beaten in it and an early break in the second set put Halep 3-1 up. Zhang's head then dropped and the errors flowed as Halep rattled through the remaining games at a canter. "I was happy to make the quarter-finals and I had a really good start today," said Zhang. "I was hitting a lot of winners but after the 4-1 game I made more mistakes and she found a really good rhythm. Everything started to change then." Halep said she now feels much more comfortable on grass having struggled on many of her previous appearances. "It's a little bit dangerous when you play on grass because the feet are not really stable but now I've started to feel it, to have it in my hands, to have it in my legs, and also in my mind, which is very important," she said. "I'm doing things to make the court work for me, like playing a little bit wider, then the ball slides a little bit because it's a grass court. "I try to adjust myself, my body, to this court. I just feel more confident now."

Wimbledon: Simona Halep enters semis after defeating Zhang Shuai

World number one Ashleigh Barty's hopes of becoming the first Australian women's champion in nearly four decades were dashed on Monday, opening the way for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-fined-10000-for-damaging-wimbledon-court-234198">Serena Williams</a> to potentially equal the all-time Grand Slam haul.

Having looked assured last week, while Williams was not altogether convincing, it was 23-year-old Australian Barty who cracked and went down in three sets to unseeded American Alison Riske 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.

There was one consolation for Barty as Karolina Pliskova could have taken her number one spot but the Czech third seed went out as well in a marathon duel beaten by compatriot Karolina Muchova 4-6, 7-5, 13-11.

Williams, bidding for a 24th Grand Slam title to tie with Australian Margaret Court, will play Riske next after trouncing Carla Suzarez Navarro 6-2, 6-2.

"It is a tough one to swallow but I lost to a better player," said Barty, who had been hoping to become the first Australian champion since Evonne Goolagong Cawley won her second title in 1980.

For Riske it was perhaps an unexpected early wedding present -&nbsp;she gets married after Wimbledon Stephen Amritraj, the son of former Indian Davis Cup player Anand -&nbsp;but extremely well-earned.

It will be the 29-year-old's first appearance in a Grand Slam quarter-final.

"I had to play aggressive. I had to take it to Ash. The grass definitely brings out the best in me. Hopefully it will rub off and happen in other places too," said Riske.

The prospect of playing Williams did not have her knees knocking together in fear either.

Halep unlike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-never-give-up-says-gauff-as-she-bows-out-of-wimbledon-234181">Gauff's</a> previous opponents did not let a partisan crowd nor some audacious strokeplay by the American unnerve her and always had the upper hand.

Gauff did save three match points but in the end former world number one Halep had little trouble in closing out the match.

The American, though, leaves having given the women's game a much-needed shot in the arm and announced herself as a future Grand Slam contender.

'Feel a relief'

Williams, whose clay court season was affected by a knee injury, said the hunger for the game and for victory is as strong as ever.&nbsp;

"I always get excited," said Williams after her victory which put her into a 14th <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-roger-federer-bags-more-records-as-he-downs-lucas-pouille-to-reach-last-16-233734">Wimbledon </a>quarter-final.

"I'm a really pumped player. That's my personality. Of course I still I want it or else I wouldn't be here," Williams added.

Williams has teamed up with another former world number one Andy Murray in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-serena-williams-form-wimbledon-mixed-doubles-dream-team-232624">mixed doubles</a> to accrue more matches and she said that the more she played she more she was finding her rhythm.&nbsp;

"It definitely is good, I know that I can play and now that I'm feeling better physically, I almost feel a relief more than anything. Finally I can play tennis," she said.

Williams, who won her first match with Murray on Saturday, said she will not be taking Riske for granted.

"Last time I faced a fellow American, I lost," she said in reference to her loss to Sofia Kenin at Roland Garros.

"She's great on the grass and took out the number one player in the world who's just won a grass court tournament (Barty won in Birmingham)," Williams said.

Zhang Shuai became the first Chinese woman since Li Na in 2013 to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals.

World number 50 Zhang defeated Ukraine teenager Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 - a result far from her mind when she was talked out of retiring at her lowest point in 2015.

The 30-year-old, who faces Halep for a place in the semi-finals, thanked her close friend and doubles partner Australia's Sam Stosur for convincing her to stick with it.

"She's (Stosur) such a nice girl, and she told me when I said I wanted to retire, and she really wanted that I keep going to play,"&nbsp;Shuai said.

World number one Ashleigh Barty's hopes of becoming the first Australian women's champion in nearly four decades were dashed on Monday, opening the way for Serena Williams to potentially equal the all-time Grand Slam haul.

World number one Ashleigh Barty's hopes of becoming the first Australian women's champion in nearly four decades were dashed on Monday, opening the way for Serena Williams to potentially equal the all-time Grand Slam haul. Having looked assured last week, while Williams was not altogether convincing, it was 23-year-old Australian Barty who cracked and went down in three sets to unseeded American Alison Riske 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. There was one consolation for Barty as Karolina Pliskova could have taken her number one spot but the Czech third seed went out as well in a marathon duel beaten by compatriot Karolina Muchova 4-6, 7-5, 13-11. Williams, bidding for a 24th Grand Slam title to tie with Australian Margaret Court, will play Riske next after trouncing Carla Suzarez Navarro 6-2, 6-2. "It is a tough one to swallow but I lost to a better player," said Barty, who had been hoping to become the first Australian champion since Evonne Goolagong Cawley won her second title in 1980. For Riske it was perhaps an unexpected early wedding present - she gets married after Wimbledon Stephen Amritraj, the son of former Indian Davis Cup player Anand - but extremely well-earned. It will be the 29-year-old's first appearance in a Grand Slam quarter-final. "I had to play aggressive. I had to take it to Ash. The grass definitely brings out the best in me. Hopefully it will rub off and happen in other places too," said Riske. The prospect of playing Williams did not have her knees knocking together in fear either. Halep unlike Gauff's previous opponents did not let a partisan crowd nor some audacious strokeplay by the American unnerve her and always had the upper hand. Gauff did save three match points but in the end former world number one Halep had little trouble in closing out the match. The American, though, leaves having given the women's game a much-needed shot in the arm and announced herself as a future Grand Slam contender. 'Feel a relief' Williams, whose clay court season was affected by a knee injury, said the hunger for the game and for victory is as strong as ever. "I always get excited," said Williams after her victory which put her into a 14th Wimbledon quarter-final. "I'm a really pumped player. That's my personality. Of course I still I want it or else I wouldn't be here," Williams added. Williams has teamed up with another former world number one Andy Murray in the mixed doubles to accrue more matches and she said that the more she played she more she was finding her rhythm. "It definitely is good, I know that I can play and now that I'm feeling better physically, I almost feel a relief more than anything. Finally I can play tennis," she said. Williams, who won her first match with Murray on Saturday, said she will not be taking Riske for granted. "Last time I faced a fellow American, I lost," she said in reference to her loss to Sofia Kenin at Roland Garros. "She's great on the grass and took out the number one player in the world who's just won a grass court tournament (Barty won in Birmingham)," Williams said. Zhang Shuai became the first Chinese woman since Li Na in 2013 to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals. World number 50 Zhang defeated Ukraine teenager Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 - a result far from her mind when she was talked out of retiring at her lowest point in 2015. The 30-year-old, who faces Halep for a place in the semi-finals, thanked her close friend and doubles partner Australia's Sam Stosur for convincing her to stick with it. "She's (Stosur) such a nice girl, and she told me when I said I wanted to retire, and she really wanted that I keep going to play," Shuai said.

Wimbledon: Ashleigh Barty, Karolina Pliskova exit as Serena Williams sails through to quarter-finals

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