The second of the men’s semi-finals will see another first time Grand Slam semi-finalist, Milos Raonic battle against one of the greats in Roger Federer.  Raonic overcame Nick Kyrgios in a tough four setter on No.1 Court, 6-7(4) 6-2 6-4 7-6(4).  It was an entertaining match considering the predictably high quality of serving and number of aces, of which there were 54.  There was more pressure on Raonic because this was a fantastic opportunity for him to break new ground at a Grand Slam.  He delivered although Kyrgios did produce the shot of the match…

Federer lost the first set of his quarter-final to Stan Wawrinka, but recovered to win in four sets, 3-6 7-6(5) 6-4 6-4.  It was a brilliant match, full of vintage shotmaking.  Wawrinka was tremendous in the first set.  He seemed to be bothered by a stomach complaint and needed the doctor on court for some pills at the end of the second set.  The final game was also noteworthy as Federer needed five match points to put away his BFF.  All in all, it was a great match.

Federer leads the H2H with Raonic 4-0.  Their last match came at the Australian Open in 2013 when Fed won rather comfortably, 6-4 7-6(4) 6-2.  I remember watching their match on the blue clay of Madrid and Raonic played extremely well in that match, eventually falling, 4-6 7-5 7-6(4).  Raonic is obviously going to serve a lot of aces in this match and it is likely there will be some tiebreaks.  I’ve been really impressed with how Milos has developed this year and he’s now having the big results to back up the improvement.  I’ve been really sceptical in the past about his ability to be a big name player and he’s really starting to prove himself and i’m starting to come round to him being a relevant threat on tour.  He came out with this interesting quote in press…

I do like his approach to the match, but on a personal level, for some reason or another, I just can’t warm to him.  I think Raonic will get a set at best, but I don’t see it as being a match that should be labelled with “upset alert”.  Sorry Milos, but I am banking on a Fed-Djok or Fed-Dimi final, both of which would be a perfect match-up to bring the curtain down on a throughly entertaining Championships.

Prediction: Federer d. Raonic in 4 sets