Federer admits everyone is relieved with Djokovic's exit

07/06/2016

It should be with a sense of deja vu, although with a role reversal, that Roger Federer looked at Novak Djokovic's shock exit from the Wimbledon. Reminiscent of Federer's dominance once, the Serb's form appeared supreme, but his exit has left Federer relieved and finally looking at a shot at glory.

Novak Djokovic's exit in the third round to No. 28 seed Sam Querrey has left everyone left in the fray fancying a chance – not the least 17th time Grand slam winner, Roger Federer, who will be one title away from equalling Rafael Nadal's record for maximum Grandslams at a single slam – if he achieves it on Sunday.

Speaking about Novak's exit, Federer said he was relieved about it.

He said, "Yes, but not just me. Everyone.

"It's logical. It means that you no longer have to overcome someone who has had so much recent success at the Grand Slams.

"It's still a long road. But everyone gave a small sigh of relief. It was quite a surprise," reported Swiss newspaper the Tages Anzeiger.

Also read - Novak Djokovic : Obviously my best wasn't enough this year

Federer had a relatively easy run so far with straight-set wins against all his four opponents so far. The Swiss appeared confident after what was a business-as-usual performance against Steve Johnson in the fourth round.

I haven't lost a set in four matches and as a bonus I've played all my matches on Centre Court while outside it's been raining. If you add to that the fact Novak Djokovic was eliminated in my half of the draw, we can say that it's been a great journey.

Federer

Federer faces Marin Cilic in the quarterfinal today, the first of many battles in a tough road to the trophy. The Swiss master was defeated by Cilic in the semifinal of the 2014 US Open – but that had been the peak of Cilic's form.

Federer believed it would be tough for Cilic to replicate that sort of form again.

“I don't believe he'll play as well again, because that was really extreme,” Federer said.

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“I at least expect to create chances against him. Of course, he serves powerfully. It can be difficult to create break points against him. But I must firstly focus on my own serve, and make sure he doesn't get a lot of opportunities. And I have a few ideas about how I want to return to him,” he added.

His opponent Marin Cilic, as well, expressed relief at Djoker's early exit. Cilic had ended up on the losing side against the Serb many a time in Grandslams in the past two years.

“It’s still too early but I’m more relieved definitely to see that I’m not playing Novak, yeah. A bit easier,” said Cilic, reported sport360.com.