London: Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz probably had the most memorable day of his career as he ousted his childhood hero Roger Federer in straight sets to enter the Wimbledon semifinals on Wednesday.
The Swiss legend, who has won 20 Grand Slams and will celebrate his 40th birthday next month lost 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0 to Hurkacz who is 15 years younger than him. The 39-year-old also potentially brought down curtains to his All England Club career.
Federer, who is also an eight-time Wimbledon champion, suffered his 14th defeat at the tournament in 119 matches and his first straight-sets loss since an opening-round exit against Mario Ancic in 2002. It was also the first time he had lost a set 6-0 at Wimbledon.
A victory @HubertHurkacz will never forget #Wimbledon
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2021
“It’s super special to have played Roger here, it’s a dream come true,” said Hurkacz. “He’s done so many special things here.” The 24-year-old World No. 18 Hurkacz, who defeated World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev in the last 16, will face either Matteo Berrettini of Italy or Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime for a place in Sunday’s final.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic will meet Denis Shapovalov in the other semifinal after winning their respective quarterfinal matches. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic recorded his 100th win on grass courts as he beat Marton Fucsovics of Hungary 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to enter the semifinals.
Simply stunning, @HubertHurkacz 😮#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/uCy9mMKpdU
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2021
Shapovalov overcame Russia’s 25th seed Karen Khachanov in a tough five-set game 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, 1-6, 4-6 to enter the last-four stage of the tournament. Djokovic is now third among players to have entered Wimbledon semifinals the most number of times.
This is his 10th entry to the semifinals at SW19 behind Federer (13 appearances) and Jimmy Connors (11 appearances).
