Rafael Nadal failed to reach his first Wimbledon final since 2010 following a defeat to nemesis Roger Federer in the semi-finals of SW19. The two tennis greats, facing each other for the first time since the 2008 final classic, produced another scintillating performance but Federer rode to the final of Wimbledon 2019 with a 7-6(7-3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. Nadal later took to Twitter to congratulate the Swiss Master and thanked the fans for their amazing support. Roger Federer Beats Rafael Nadal to Reach 12th Wimbledon Final, Swiss Great to Face Novak Djokovic For Record 9th Wimbledon Trophy.

This game at Wimbledon 2019 was the 40th meeting between Nadal and Federer but the first time they were facing each other since 2008 vintage final when the Spaniard won a heavily contested five-set final under glowing lights that sent him into a company of legacy. He has gone on to win another Wimbledon title but the story wasn’t as sweet this Friday especially with Nadal suffering from an ankle injury. Netizens Hail Roger Federer after King of Grass Beats Rafael Nadal to Reach 12th Wimbledon Final, (Watch Video).

Nadal Congratulates Friend Federer

The victory took Federer to his 12th Wimbledon final and kept in the race for a record ninth title at the All England Grass Court. Federer will now meet defending champion and first seed Novak Djokovic in the final on July 14 (Sunday). Meanwhile, Nadal, who just five weeks ago clinched his 11th French Open trophy will now prepare for his third fourth title at US Open.

Wimbledon 2019 Semi-Final Highlights

He started the semi-final on top and looked most likely to win the first set until Federer mounted a comeback. The set lasted 51 minutes before the Swiss Master took the lead but sadly was the only set that was intensely contested. Nadal bounced back in the second set with a 6-1 win but Federer clinched the next two to send the Spaniard home.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2019 09:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).