That’s all for our live coverage. Here’s our Owen Gibson’s match report from Wimbledon:
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That didn’t take long. One prominent British oddsmaker circulated a press release listing odds of Federer retiring within seconds of match point.
Within seconds of match point, one prominent UK oddsmaker sent out a press release listing odds of Federer retiring. pic.twitter.com/X7b6BRcalQ
— Bryan Armen Graham (@BryanAGraham) July 8, 2016
Raonic advances to face either Andy Murray or Tomas Berdych, who face off in today’s second semi-final. If it’s Murray, that will mean an unfamiliar foil for the Scot.
If Andy Murray wins today and faces Milos Raonic in the #Wimbledon final, it will be something of a change for him: pic.twitter.com/e6fGJAdm0G
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) July 8, 2016
“I was struggling there through the third in fourth set,” an animated Raonic says. “But I saw a little, little opening and it was enough.”
Adds Raonic: “I’m by no means done what I’m here to do.”
Milos Raonic becomes the first Canadian man in history to reach a grand slam final. He’s also the first non-European male finalist at Wimbledon since Andy Roddick in 2009.
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Raonic wins fifth set and match!
No yips here. Raonic closes in style, holding at love, with Federer sending a running backhand astray on triple match point.
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Fifth set: *Raonic 5-3 Federer (*denotes next server)
Clinical service game for Federer, who holds at love. Raonic will serve to become the first Canadian man ever to reach a grand slam final.
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Fifth set: Raonic 5-2 Federer* (*denotes next server)
A 142mph serve sets the tone, then consecutive forced errors by Federer make it 40-love. Federer pushes it to 40-15 when Raonic misses on a forehand, but a Federer missed backhand seals the hold and Federer will serve to stay in the tournament.
Fifth set: *Raonic 4-2 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer falls behind love-15 and 15-30, but Raonic misses a forehand and then Federer dials in an ace to move it to 40-30. Federer then misses a forehand for deuce and Raonic crushes a forehand winner for a chance at a commanding two-break lead. Federer saves it when Raonic misses a backhand, but Federer misses a forehand to return it to give Raonic another break-point chance. Federer saves it with a clean forehand winner and a pair of Raonic errors give Federer the hard-won hold.
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Fifth set: Raonic 4-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Raonic follows up a double fault with a 139mph ace down the T then a 140mph service winner for 30-15. Federer nets a backhand to make it 40-15, then Raonic dials in another service winner to back up the break.
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Raonic breaks!
Fifth set: *Raonic 3-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
At 15-all, Raonic dumps a slice backhand into the net. But Federer nets a forehand on the next point for 30-all and the crowd buzzes. A Federer netcord winner makes it 40-30, but Raonic brings it to deuce when Federer misses an inside-out forehand millimeters wide. Raonic with a running forehand winner to end an extraordinary, hyperkinetic 14-stroke rally and earn a break-point chance. Federer took a tumble while lunging for the winning point and appeared to injure his left ankle. He’s off to his chair now to be looked at by the trainer, but within less than a minute he’s up and returned to his position behind the baseline. And he saves the break point by pounding a forehand winner into the corner just out of the 6ft 5in Raonic’s reach! A missed backhand gives Federer game point, but Raonic returns it to deuce with a smash winner than earns another break-point chance when Federer double faults again! Raonic makes the most of this one, crushing a forehand winner for the crucial break. Raonic now within three games of his first major final.
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Fifth set: Raonic 2-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Two quick points for Raonic. Federer gets on the board when Raonic misses on a backhand, but Raonic wins the next point and Federer can barely get the egde of his racket on a 130mph service winner that gives the Canadian the hold.
@BryanAGraham Hope you don't have early dinner reservations. This has 14-12 written all over it.
— Hubert O'Hearn (@BTBReviews) July 8, 2016
If only they paid me by the hour.
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Fifth set: *Raonic 1-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer holds at love. Slight work. Closes it out with an ace.
Fifth set: Raonic 1-0 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Federer pushes Raonic to 40-30 from 30-love down but the Canadian closes out the hold with a 141mph thunderbolt of an ace.
Federer’s quarter-final win over Marin Cilic was only his first five-set match since his comeback from two sets down against Gael Monfils in the 2014 US Open. Now he’s going the distance for the second time in as many matches. His career record in five-setters is 24-19, compared to 7-5 for Raonic.
The match so far...#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/8ZAuRgT3Oe
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2016
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Raonic breaks and wins fourth set!
Fourth set: Raonic 7-5 Federer
It appears it will be a brisk service game for Federer, who moves ahead 40-love on a backhand winner. But Raonic hits a forehand winner and then Federer mixes in back-to-back double faults and suddenly we’re at deuce. Raonic hits forehand winner to earn a set point, but Federer strikes back with forehand winner to save it. Another winner off the forehand side earns him a second set point, but Federer comes back with a forehand winner and an ace to stake a game point of his own. Raonic returns it to deuce with a backhand winner and a missed forehand past the baseline by Federer earns him a third set point. This one is not wasted as Raonic crushes a backhand winner down the line past an approaching Federer to break the seven-times Wimbledon champion and force a fifth and deciding set.
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Fourth set: Raonic 6-5 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Raonic falls behind love-15 on a mishit backhand, then love-30 on an exquisite backhand winner down the line by Federer that brings Bradley Cooper to his feet. Five-alarm danger zone, this. But Raonic claws back with three straight points – including a gorgeously struck volley winner and a 143mph service winner – and takes the game when Federer nets a backhand from the baseline. Federer will now serve to force a fourth-set tiebreaker.
Fourth set: *Raonic 5-5 Federer (*denotes next server)
At 15-all, Federer can’t handle a deep forehand to the baseline and it’s 15-30, but he rattles off three quick points to level it at five games apiece.
Fourth set: Raonic 5-4 Federer* (*denotes next server)
At 15-all, Federer hits a gorgeous forehand volley winner just inside the line to bring it to 15-30. Raonic with a deftly struck forehand on the approach that Federer can’t return inside the lines to make it 30-all, but a forehand error by the Canadian gives Federer a look at a break point at 30-40. Feels like this could be the match, but Raonic erases it with a 139mph service winner followed by a 131mph service winner to give him game point. A missed forehand brings it back to deuce, but Raonic wins the next two points and Federer will serve to stay in the fourth set.
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Fourth set: *Raonic 4-4 Federer (*denotes next server)
A comfortable hold for Federer despite some hard-fought points. Here’s a telling stat: Federer’s first-serve percentage is up to 81% in the fourth set from 61% in the third, 54% in the second and 55% in the first.
Fourth set: Raonic 4-3 Federer* (*denotes next server)
At 15-all, Raonic sends a running forehand long and Federer has a half-chance at 15-30. But a Federer error followed by a 123mph second-serve service winner by Raonic bring it to 40-30. Then Raonic double faults – his ninth of the match – for deuce. Raonic then hits a pair of forehand winners to take the game and stay on serve.
Fourth set: *Raonic 3-3 Federer (*denotes next server)
Raonic with a sniff of a break after hitting a backhand winner for 15-30 on Federer’s serve. Federer responds with a forehand volley winner and a 122mph ace to move it to 40-30. He nets a volley for deuce, but a pair of errors by Raonic give him the hold.
Fourth set: Raonic 3-2 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Federer somehow returns a preposterous Raonic serve but he closes on the net and puts away a deft volley winner. Yet a lapse in concentration from Raonic sees Federer win three straight points and earn a pair of break-point chances at 15-40. The way Federer is serving, this feels like the match. Raonic saves the first on a service winner, then the second when Federer nets a running forehand from the baseline. Deuce. Federer nets an attempted passing shot to give Raonic game point, but brings it back to deuce on a winner. Raonic hits a sharply angled volley winner to earn another game point – how those volleys have seemed to improve since the addition of McEnroe! – then a service winner to earn the hold from 15-40 down.
Fourth set: *Raonic 2-2 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer falls behind love-15 to give Raonic a distant whiff of the break, but he rattles off four straight points including back-to-back winners to close out the hold.
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Fourth set: Raonic 2-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Another breezy service game for Raonic. A whopping 51 winners against 28 unforced errors as he’s really given it his all. Yet it’s Federer, with 28 winners and only seven unforced errors (seven!), within touching distance of the finish line.
Fourth set: *Raonic 1-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer answers Raonic’s hold at love with one of his own as the match passes the two-hour mark. New balls for this next game.
Fourth set: Raonic 1-0 Federer* (*denotes next server)
An easy hold at love for Raonic. Just what he needed to steady himself after coming a bit undone emotionally there in the third.
Federer wins third set!
Third set: Raonic 4-6 Federer
Federer’s serve, iffy earlier on, is dialed in now. He’s just held at love to close out the third set, punctuating the game with a 122mph ace down the middle that Raonic scarcely attempted to return. He’s now one set from reaching a record-extending 28th grand slam final.
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Third set: Raonic 4-5 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Raonic cruises ahead 40-love on a service winner and consecutive aces. Raonic misfires on a forehand volley but takes the game on a missed backhand by Federer, who will now serve for the third set.
Third set: *Raonic 3-5 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer backs up the break the best way possible: a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it hold at love. Two unforced errors in the game by Raonic, who will serve to stay in the third set.
Federer breaks!
Third set: Raonic 3-4 Federer* (*denotes next server)
At 15-all, Raonic double faults. Then Federer rips a forehand winner and all of a sudden he’ll have a pair of break-point chances at 15-40. He saves the first with a 122mph service winner, but Raonic frames a backhand from the baseline on the next point to give Federer the break.
@BryanAGraham "That’s Federer: give him an inch and he’ll take a mile" Yet he can't convert four setpoints??
— Serge Nuffler (@SergeNuffler) July 8, 2016
Fair enough!
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Third set: *Raonic 3-3 Federer (*denotes next server)
A hold at love for Federer. Closes it out with a thudding ace out wide.
Third set: Raonic 3-2 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Another quick hold for Raonic including a 140mph service winner and a 111mph second-serve ace to close out the hold.
Third set: *Raonic 2-2 Federer (*denotes next server)
Serving at 40-15, Federer makes an error off the backhand side and then double faults. Deuce. Raonic then misfires off the backhand side but follows up with a forehand winner to return it to deuce. But Federer earns the hold with a service winner followed by a forehand winner.
Third set: Raonic 2-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Another quick hold for Raonic, who is serving so well today. The variety of spin and placement is making Federer guess. How ironic that one of Raonic’s only service missteps of the day – the double fault at 3-all in the breaker – is why they’re level on sets. That’s Federer: give him an inch and he’ll take a mile.
Third set: *Raonic 1-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer falls behind love-30, a golden chance for Raonic to sneak an early break. But the Swiss rattles off four straight points including a cracking forehand winner – his 18th, compared to 36 for Raonic – to scratch out the hold.
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Third set: Raonic 1-0 Federer* (*denotes next server)
A comfortable hold for Raonic to open the third including a pair of thunderous aces.
Updated
Milos is back. He’s changed his clothes. Has a sip of water by his chair and walks toward to baseline to open the third set on his serve.
The players leave the court between sets for a nature break. Raonic was first to leave the court and he’s still not back. Federer changing his shirt while he waits. Now standing by the baseline. It’s been more than five minutes since the last point. Crowd getting restless. Where’s Milos?
Federer wins second set!
Second-set tiebreaker: Raonic 3-7 Federer
Federer service winner to start things off, then a Federer error followed by a Raonic ace makes it 2-1. A pair of errant forehands by Raonic on Federer’s serve makes it 3-2 to Roger. A Federer error levels it to 3-all going into the changeover. But Raonic blinks first! He double faults serving at 3-all and Federer goes up a mini-break. Serving at 4-3, Federer takes back-to-back points to give himself three more set points, but he only needs one. A backhand forced error by Raonic gives Federer the second-set breaker and levels this Wimbledon semi-final at one set apiece.
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Second set: Raonic 6-6 Federer
Four quick points for Raonic including back-to-back aces to close out the hold at love. We’re heading to a second-set tiebreaker. Raonic is 20-5 in tiebreaks this year including 4-0 at Wimbledon.
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Second set: *Raonic 5-6 Federer (*denotes next server)
At 15-love, Raonic smokes a forehand winner to level the score. Federer answers with another forehand winner, but Raonic makes it 30-all with a winner off the backhand side. High quality, this. But a pair of errors by Raonic give Federer the hold. Now Raonic will serve to force a second-set tiebreaker.
Second set: Raonic 5-5 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Federer wins a point on Raonic’s first serve – the first time that’s happened this set – and it’s love-15. Then he makes it love-30 with another winner and Raonic faces a crucial point. And he double faults! It’s love-40 and Federer’s first look at a break point all day is a triple set point. Raonic faults ... then saves the first break point on a running forehand volley winner. Saves the second on a Federer error, then the third on service winner. Deuce. Federer hits a backhand winner down the line to stake a fourth set point. Saves that one too when Federer badly frames a backhand from the baseline and the ball goes sailing. Raonic finally makes it to game point with a forehand winner and seals the hard-won hold when Federer makes an error from the forehand side. What an escape!
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Second set: *Raonic 4-5 Federer (*denotes next server)
At 30-all, Federer under pressure again. But a Raonic unforced error – his eighth of the set (compared to zero for Federer) – makes it 40-30. A sharply angled Federer backhand winner gives him the game and Raonic will serve to stay in the set.
Second set: Raonic 4-4 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Another hold at love – highlighted by a deft forehand volley at 15-love – keeps Raonic on level terms in the second. Raonic putting on a serving masterclass so far, showing variety of spin, pace and placement, and giving Federer very few looks.
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Second set: *Raonic 3-4 Federer (*denotes next server)
At 15-all, Raonic crushes a backhand winner that puts Federer under a spot of pressure at 15-30. Raonic goes for a bold return winner but barely misses the line and it’s 30-all. Another miss by Raonic followed by a service winner gives Federer the hold. Still on serve through seven games of the second set.
Second set: Raonic 3-3 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Raonic continues to hit through Federer. He powers ahead to a 40-love advantage on more thudding serves before committing a double fault – on a 122mph second serve – to make it 40-15. No matter. A 132mph ace that caroms off the grass in the Royal Box (near Björn Borg!) seals the easy hold.
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Second set: *Raonic 2-3 Federer (*denotes next server)
... and Federer matches Raonic’s hold at love with another of his own. The service games continue to fly by. Meanwhile, Grace Jones is on the grounds.
A thing I just witnessed: "Have a nice day!" "Only if Roger wins!" - Grace Jones. #Wimbledon
— Courtney Nguyen (@FortyDeuceTwits) July 8, 2016
Second set: Raonic 2-2 Federer* (*denotes next server)
A hold at love for Raonic, whose typically formidable serve is as sharp as ever right now. The first serve is averaging 130mph today – compared to 124mph over his first five Wimbledon matches.
Second set: *Raonic 1-2 Federer (*denotes next server)
Another quick and painless hold for Federer, whose serve is dialed in.
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Second set: Raonic 1-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Raonic, early double fault notwithstanding, matches Federer’s easy hold with one of his own.
Second set: *Raonic 0-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
A comfortable hold for Federer to open the second set.
@BryanAGraham Milos has a bit of a swagger which Canadians normally don't have I suppose with JohnMc in your corner it'll give you something
— John McEnerney (@MackerOnTheMed) July 8, 2016
Youth is served? Here’s an interesting note from from James Gilbert in Northants.
Fun fact: apparently Raonic has served out a set 47 times out of 48 so far in 2016. Was Federer’s decision to let Raonic serve first foolish and one he’ll come to regret?
Raonic wins first set!
First set: Raonic 6-3 Federer
Raonic wins the first point with a volley winner to end and 11-stroke rally, longest of the match so far. He actually hit three volleys on that point, showing his increased confience at the net. A forehand volley winner makes it 30-love, but he makes an error on the next point then mixes in a double fault to make it 30-all. Raonic hits a backhand winner at the net to earn a set point, but Federer saves it with a blistering forehand cross-court winner on a point that began with a 141mph serve - the point of the match so far. Deuce. Raonic then wins a forehand winner to earn a second set point and another forehand winner to lock down the opening set.
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First set: *Raonic 5-3 Federer (*denotes next server)
From 15-all, Federer rattles off a pair of points followed by a service winner to seal the easy hold. But now it’s Raonic who will serve for the opening set.
First set: Raonic 5-2 Federer* (*denotes next server)
A pair of unforced errors by Raonic from the forehand side and suddenly he’s down love-30. A pressure point, this. But Federer misses on a backhand, followed by service winner-ace-service winner for Raonic to take the game. The young Canadian is really dealing now and is within a game of taking the opening set.
First set: *Raonic 4-2 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer with a relatively drama-free hold, a much-needed one at that, capped off with a backhand volley winner. Now can he make inroads on Raonic’s serve?
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First set: Raonic 4-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Raonic rattles off two quick points but Federer pushes it to 30-all to apply a bit of pressure on the youngster. The Canadian responds with a blistering 144mph ace, but a Federer return winner brings it to deuce. A 116mph ace by Raonic sets up a game point, but he then puts a backhand into the net and it’s back to deuce. But Raonic takes the game and backs up the break with a passing backhand winner followed by a 127mph ace down the T.
Raonic breaks!
First set: *Raonic 3-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer wins the first point with a wicked inside-out forehand from the baseline. A bit of a SABR attack on the next point but Raonic can’t return the bending serve and it’s 30-love. But Federer mixes in a few errors on the next three points and all of a sudden he’s break point down at 30-40. And it’s a double fault! First break of the match to Raonic. A TV commentator notes that was only Federer’s second double fault at Wimbledon and fourth in his last 16 matches.
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First set: Raonic 2-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
From 15-15, Raonic rattles off three straight points to take the game. Very short points, first-strike tennis. He’s keeping Federer guessing by mixing up that thunderous serve well then following up with cracking forehands early in the points.
First set: *Raonic 1-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
An easy hold at love for Federer. Just breezes through that service game.
First set: Raonic 1-0 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Raonic opens with a 139mph service winner but follows it up with a double fault. Consecutive forehand winners by Raonic make it 40-15. He makes an error on the next point but another massive service winner gives him the hold in under two minutes.
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The players meet at the net for the coin toss. Raonic calls heads but it comes up tails. Federer chooses the side, allowing Raonic to serve first. Fun fact: this is exactly how it played out when they met in the 2014 semis.
The players should be on Centre Court any minute now. While we wait, here’s a prediction from Emanuel Gonzalez in Germany, via email.
I think the Cilic match was the best possible preparation for Roger´s match today. He had to get used to return those massive serves and wait for his chances. Apart from that he knows he is fit to last 3-4 hours. I think Roger will win in 4. What do u think?
Federer’s record in this stage is beyond assail, but I’ve always been bullish on Raonic’s prospects to win majors and it feels like his time. He’s fresh off relatively stress-free win over Sam Querrey while Federer is coming off a five-setter. Thinking Raonic finally breaks through and wins one of these big matches today. Raonic in four.
Good morning and welcome to today’s first men’s semi-final between Roger Federer and Milos Raonic. It’s the 12th career meeting between the players – with Federer holding a 9-2 advantage including 2-0 at grand slams – and a rematch of the 2014 semi-final here, which Federer won in straight sets. In fact Federer’s record in the last four at the Championships is flawless.
Federer in #Wimbledon semifinals: WWWWWWWWWW
— Bryan Armen Graham (@BryanAGraham) July 10, 2015
The players should be on court in about a quarter hour. Plenty more to come today from SW19.
Bryan will be here shortly, in the meantime here’s how Milos Raonic plans to upset Roger Federer today:
Everyone in the players’ area was cheering on Roger Federer when the king of Centre Court mounted his regal comeback from two sets down against Marin Cilic on Wednesday. Everyone, that is, apart from Milos Raonic. He refused to be swept away by the romance of Federer’s victory and it was not out of support for Cilic, even though he has a closer relationship with the Croat.
Instead Raonic watched the television in a transfixed state, studying the match, the trends, searching for any potential signs of weakness that he can exploit when he meets Federer in a repeat of their 2014 semi-final, which the Swiss won in three routine sets.
“I was just seeing where guys are going on the important moments, what patterns to pick up, so you can try to cover up some things in those moments,” said the No6 seed. As the man with one of the biggest serves in the game, he presumably would have noted how Federer slowly took control of the contest.
Federer struggled to read Cilic’s serve at first, making 20 out of 36 returns in the first set and 11 out of 26 in the second. In the fifth set, however, his return stats were up to 72% and Federer went from losing the majority of the rallies between zero and four shots in the first two sets to dominating them in the final three.
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