Wimbledon 2021: Roger Federer cruises into the quarterfinals at the All England Club for the 18th time, beats Lorenzo Sonego
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Roger Federer
Just a month shy of turning 40, Roger Federer becomes the oldest Wimbledon quarterfinalist after beating Italian Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets 7-5,6-4,6-2. He also becomes the third-oldest Major quarter-finalist in the open era behind Pancho Gonzalez and Ken Rosewall.
Hitting 32 winners and 26 unforced errors, Federer lost serve only once in the opening sets’ later stages. In all, the Swiss maestro was completely in control of the match and looks to be getting better with each passing day. He was tested the most in the opening set.
He had a good start on serve and took an early break but Sonego bounced back at broke Federer’s serve when he was serving for the set. But Federer broke back again and clinched the opening set 7-5. There was no stopping Federer from that point onwards. He had all the momentum he needed and was basically toying Sonego around. The Italian couldn’t break Federer’s serve and eventually lost the set 6-4.
Federer ran away with the third set too. He was quick in getting a double break’s lead and showcased his class to the crowd: Vintage Federer indeed! He eventually served out the set 6-2.
‘Hopefully it rains again tomorrow,’ Federer jokes about postponement of Medvedev-Hurkacz match
In the on court interview, Federer spoke about his excitement to be in the quarters. “I’m extremely happy. Again, tricky conditions inside and outside. Against Lorenzo, it’s always dangerous but after the first set, I was able to control things. I couldn’t be more excited to be in the quarters. So it’s a big moment and I’m very, very happy.“
Federer’s quarterfinal opponent isn’t decided yet because the Medvedev-Hurkacz match was postponed until the next day due to rains. Federer commented about the same.
“It’s unfair,” Federer said. “Those guys are young, they can recover, so it’s not a problem for them. Unfortunately they’re very good too. Hopefully it rains again tomorrow, I’m kidding!”
This year also marks the end of a century long Wimbledon tradition of Middle Sunday and Manic Monday. Federer shared his thoughts about it. “Yes very special. That’s why I had a quick walk with the team. Just to enjoy that Sunday. That was sort of there for the grass to take a rest and for the players to have nothing to do. Look there are a lot of traditions at this club and for us players for the last 100 years, I just felt like we’ll look back 20-50 years from now and this was it.”
“This was the last Sunday and last Manic Monday. I was happy that I played in an era where there was a Middle Sunday but hopefully more people can come and enjoy the tournament, giving more flexibility in case of rain.”
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Lakshya Chopra
(2597 Articles Published)