The daintiest genius in sport, Roger Federer was busy floating around Wimbledon's centre court this afternoon, doing what he does best. Federer is less fighting the dying of the light than he is surveying it, dismissing it and offering a different artistic impression of it. His repartee with sporting mortality continued on centre court today, as he came from two sets to love down to beat Marin Cilic in today's quarter-final, saving three match points in the process.
It was an astonishing comeback by the seven-time champion, with Federer ultimately winning 6-7 4-6 6-3 7-6 6-3.
There was once a time when Federer's dominance of SW19 threatened to be dull, but the explosion of Rafa Nadal and the emergence of Andy Murray and most notably Novak Djokovic have seen Federer - an undoubted genius - oddly assume the role of underdog.
Federer does not rely on the power game of Nadal or, to a lesser extent, Murray, so watching the Swiss feels like a throwback. Here's how victory was celebrated on Henman Hill, er, Roger Ridge:
Let's skip over to #TheHill and relive the moment Roger Federer booked his place in the semi-final... #Wimbledon https://t.co/EHRltbefNE
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 6, 2016
Here's the backhand backspin short return to draw the server in. Federer is vicious. https://t.co/tLc0W4Cymo
— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) July 6, 2016
Here is a portion of the reaction:
When Federer plays like this - and wins - the world seems a so much more agreeable place
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) July 6, 2016
Roger Federer. Top 3 Roger of All time #Ebert #Maris
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 6, 2016
Not sure I believe in destiny-type hullabaloo but if Federer is ever going to win another Slam this sure seems to be the week. What a win
— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) July 6, 2016
What a remarkable player Roger Federer.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) July 6, 2016
35 in a few weeks, 17 Grand Slams, $100m in prizemoney won and still giving it everything without breaking a sweat. What a man #Federer
— aidan o'hara (@oharaa) July 6, 2016
Roger Federer, in my eyes, will always be the Greatest of All Time. An unbelievable athlete that will never, ever give in. Phenomenal.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) July 6, 2016
Glorious. He will face Milos Raonic in the semi-finals.
If you've got time, do yourself a favour and read David Foster-Wallace on Federer. It's quite something.
See Also: Serena Williams Attracts Controversy With Threat To Sue Wimbledon
See Also: Watch: Aussie Player Gives Incredibly Honest Press Conference After Capitulation To Andy Murray
