Second seed Rafael Nadal has described Roger Federer’s surprise loss at Wimbledon as ‘part of the sport’ following his quarter-final victory over Juan Martin del Potro.
Nadal, who is bidding to win his first title at the All England Club since 2010, required almost five hours to get past his Argentinian rival. Prevailing 7-5, 6-7 (7), 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 at 20:50 local time. The triumphed occurred on the same day the eight-time champion lost his marathon encounter. Top seed Federer was edged out 13-11 in the final set by a gutsy Kevin Anderson, who has become the first male South African Wimbledon semi-finalist since 1983.
“It is a reality that Federer is not here (in the semifinals). He lost. That’s part of our sport. That’s all.” Said Nadal.
“I’m sorry for him, of course. But it is hard to always win, even for him.
“That’s how this sport works. Even more on the grass. I just feel sorry for him and congrats to Kevin.”
With a rematch of the 2008 final between Nadal and his Swiss rival off the cards, the Spaniard is two wins away from the title. His next challenge will be another one of his nemesis – Novak Djokovic. Djokovic defeated Kei Nishikori in four sets during their quarter-final clash. He trails their head-to-head 25-26. It will be the first time they have played each other on the grass for seven years.
“It always is a big challenge face Novak. He is one of the most complex players that have I ever seen in our sport. It is always a big test. You know that you can’t win against him if you don’t play very well.” Nadal commented about the upcoming match.
“But my goal is to try to play very well. I know in semifinals of Wimbledon you will not have an easy opponent in front. You have to accept that if you want to win important things.”
Speaking about the upcoming semi-final, Del Potro believes the outcome is dependant on how Nadal’s body holds up. The Wimbledon clash between Del Potro and Nadal was the longest in this year’s tournament so far. Lasting four hours and 47 minutes
“I don’t know who is going to win. It’s depends Rafa’s body after tomorrow.” Said Del Potro.
“I think he will be fine, for sure. But Nole is playing good again. They are good champions. They both deserve to get in the final. It will be an interesting semifinal.”
Nadal is seeking his 18th grand slam title at Wimbledon. Two adrift from Federer’s all-time record of 20. He will take on Djokovic on Friday afternoon.
