Novak Djokovic - has that winning feeling
Novak Djokovic - has that winning feeling

Preview of Wednesday action at Wimbledon


Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will bid to reach the semi-finals of the same grand slam for the first time since the French Open six years ago at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

The trio have looked the class of the field so far, dropping just one set between them - won by Kyle Edmund against Djokovic in the third round.

Federer is currently Sky Bet's Price Boosted favourite to win the tournament at 5/6 ahead of Djokovic (4/1) and Nadal (11/2).

After two years of physical and mental struggles, Djokovic appears fit and confident and ready to try to add to his tally of 12 grand slam titles.

He said: "I felt like in the last month and a half, the level of tennis has been very close to where I would like it to be, where I'm used to having it. So far the four matches have been really, really good for me."

The next challenge for Djokovic is a quarter-final against Kei Nishikori, who he has beaten 12 times in a row since the Japanese star claimed his biggest victory in the semi-finals of the US Open in 2014.

This will be their first meeting on grass, and Nishikori said: "I think it's going to be a new game for us. He's always like a big war for me. Maybe I don't have a good record with him, but I always enjoy playing him."

Djokovic and Nishikori will play the first match on Centre Court, followed by arguably the pick of the quarter-finals between Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro, meaning Federer must make a rare visit to Court One.

Del Potro was the only one of the quarter-finalists in action on Tuesday as he finished off a tough four-set victory over Gilles Simon. The powerful Argentinian has won five of his 15 matches against Nadal but lost to the world number one at two of the last three slams.

Del Potro said: "I think I will be in good condition. It's a big chance for me to face Rafa. If I want to beat him, I have to come to the net very often and play hard with my forehands, with my backhands, and try to take all the chances."

Federer faces eighth seed Kevin Anderson, who he has not dropped a set against in four previous meetings.

The South African is through to the last eight for the first time, and he said: "Playing somebody like Roger Federer is going to be a great experience. Not just an experience, but a challenge that I've set for myself. I feel like a lot of aspects of my game can give him a lot of trouble."

The final last-eight clash is unlikely to feature too many rallies, with John Isner taking on Milos Raonic.

The women's semi-finals are set for Thursday. Serena Williams will face Julia Goerges while Angelique Kerber meets Jelena Ostapenko.

There was success for Britain, meanwhile, in the doubles, with Joe Salisbury, partnering former champion Freddie Nielsen, and Dominic Inglot, with Franko Skugor, through to the men's doubles semi-finals, but Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares are out.

Related tennis links

Like what you've read?

MOST READ

Sporting Life
Join for free!
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Race Replays
My stable horse tracker
giftOffers and prize draws
newsExclusive content

Next Off

Fixtures & Results

Fetching latest games....
We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo