Hubert Hurkacz has knocked out eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer 6-3 7-6(4) 6-4 to reach his first grand slam semi-final.
The Miami Open champion played one of the best matches of his career to blast past an erratic Federer to reach this first grand slam semi-final.
The Pole’s stunning straight sets means he is the first male Polish player into the last four at Wimbledon since Jerzy Janowicz in 2013.
Hurkacz will now play Matteo Berrettini or Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday in the last four.
It was a confident display from the start of the match as he settled into his service games effectively, not being fazed by the occassion.
Hurkacz managed to create a lot of break points early on and although he didn’t break on his first attempt he did on his second as he took a 5-2 lead.
Federer was yet to produce his best tennis as he was hesitant on his forehand side and wasn’t aggressive enough when it mattered.
Despite the crowd heavily cheering for the eight-time champion, the 24 year-old held his own and took the first set 6-3.
There was more attacking intent from the 39 year-old in the second set as he capitalised on the Pole’s missed first serves and broke to the start.
Federer just about kept holding onto his serves with effective patterns of play as he held a 4-1 lead.
However Hurkacz stuck to his game-plan with his awkward game style mixing power with point construction as he continued to cause the 20-time grand slam champion problems.
Some poor decision-making and erratic unforced errors saw Federer concede the break back as the Pole gained momentum with every passing game.
Federer continued to push for the break and dominate the tempo of the points but to no success as the Pole’s big serve and efficient ways to break down the opponent ensured that Hurkacz would take this to a second set tiebreak.
A combination of dramatic slips, poor errors of judgement and lack of effective winners saw Federer crumble in the big moments.
That didn’t stop Hurkacz producing some impressive tennis as he took the tiebreak 7-4.
The final set saw Federer’s early revival dashed very quickly as the Pole silenced the Centre Court crowed with effortless timing of the ball as Federer produced error after error.
For only the second time in the 21st century, Federer was bagelled in a tennis match as Hurkacz claimed the best victory of his career to reach his first grand slam semi-final.
After the match Hurkacz felt pride as he became the first male Pole to reach the last four at SW19 for eight years, “It’s super special for me playing on this special court against Roger, it’s a dream come true,” the 24 year-old admitted.
“I’m super-proud and super-happy to be here. I cannot wait for the next one.”
Now Hurkacz will play Matteo Berrettini or Felix Auger-Aliassime for a place in the final.
