In Roger Federer's words: 'Anything can happen against Andy Roddick'

The defending champion Lleyton Hewitt was done and dusted after the first round at Wimbledon 2003, beaten by an unknown Ivo Karlovic and leaving the door open for Roger Federer and Andy Roddick. The Swiss and the American were the favorites to set the semi-final clash and they did that, passing five obstacles to battle for the place in the first Major final for both. Federer came to London after winning the title in Halle, standing strong in the opening three rounds at the All England Club and advancing into the second week after spending only five hours on the court. Roger took down Feliciano Lopez in straight sets to find himself in the quarters but he had to think about both the Spaniard and a back injury on that day, getting an extra day to prepare due to the rain and managing to seal the deal in three sets to preserve energy for Sjeng Schalken. Playing for his first Major semi-final, Federer toppled injured Schalken 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in an hour and 38 minutes, losing serve once and producing four breaks to propel himself over the top and remain on the title course. 

"Everybody had high expectations, especially when I defeated Pete Sampras. I got over it a few months later, injured and not playing at my best. I always had chances to do well at Grand Slams but didn't take them; that's the biggest problem. Here at Wimbledon, I'm finally in the semis, feeling good after those problems against Lopez and having a chance to go all the way. Still, I can't think about the final yet; the match against Andy will be open and anything can happen. Against big servers, you have to focus on your games and stay aggressive; it's quite simple to play against them and that makes the approach easier."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3dbHz5Y