Federer downs Djokovic to reach SW19 finale

Roger Federer will contest a record eighth Wimbledon final on Sunday after he saw off Novak Djokovic 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3 in the last four.

After a cagey opening the Swiss maestro secured the first break of the opening set in the sixth game to take 4-2 lead, before holding his remaining service games to wrap up a 6-3 win. Reigning champion Djokovic hit back in the second set, however, breaking Federer in the early stages and holding out to level matters as the Serbian star appeared to be finding his best form. The third set was equally as intense as both players began to dominate their own service games and it appeared as if it may go into a tie break. With the scores level at 4-4 Djokovic had a chance to secure what would have been a vital break but Federer managed to hold by hitting some superb first serves to deny the Serbian ace the chance to take a lead. Djokovic was perhaps unfortunate as he lost the third set in the 10th game, as the Serbian slipped on the baseline to leave Federer with an open court and then wasted the chance to smash the ball beyond Federer after the Swiss star had tried to lob the defending champion. It seemed a straightforward shot for Djokovic, but his effort was too long and the error left Federer with two break points and two set points. Djokovic saved the first with a fantastic forehand, but after an intense rally Federer managed to find the opening and sealed the third set with an unstoppable smash that left his opponent stranded. The final set was arguably some of the best tennis six-time champion Federer has ever played as he completely outclassed Djokovic and raced into a 3-0 lead before holding his remaining service games to see out the match.