July 07, (THEWILL) – All hopes for seeing not just a Novak Djokovic versus Roger Federer final at another of tennis major Slams for one more time this month but also a ninth Wimbledon title for the legendary Swiss tennis maestro, crumbled to dust on Wednesday as Hubert Hurkacz knocked Federer out in straight sets 6-3 7-6 6-0.
The Polish player was in inspired form as he delivered a monumental shock to the Wimbledon crowd gathered to see their favourite Swiss in his first quarter-final in a while. The 14th seed produced sublime groundstrokes for the performance of a lifetime on Centre Court to end Federer’s return.
In just one hour and 49 minutes, Hurkacz completely demolished the eight-time SW19 champion in his favourite Slam, on his favourite surface and playing at his favourite Court with a display that was utterly brilliant, incredibly ruthless and remarkably dominant.
The victory makes Hurkacz only the second Polish player to reach the semi-finals at a Grand Slam. But, the Pole was remarkable enough to be the first ever player to bagel Federer at Wimbledon in all the years of the professional career of the Swiss legend.
It was but a clear indication of the very real fact that Federer was comprehensively outplayed. The continued cheering and rousing support from the fans in the packed stands of Centre Court made no difference especially with the astonishing fashion with which Hurkacz bagelled the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
There was a touching moment at the end when even Hurkacz respectfully stood aside and applauded as the entire Centre Court gave the legendary Swiss a huge standing ovation on his way back to the locker room after the loss.
With Federer reaching 40 in August, the question at the top of the minds of most tennis followers was best expressed by another legend and former world number one, Boris Becker, who said: “I don’t know if we will ever see the great man again here.” Only the Swiss can answer but he will never be the same man who romped through the grass of Wimbledon with panache.
Instead of Federer, Hurkacz will proceed to the semi-final for a clash with either Italy’s Matteo Berretini or Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, who are playing their semi-final on Court One.
