Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Who said what after Federer's Wimbledon exit

July 08, 2016 22:32 IST

IMAGE: Switzerland's Roger Federer waves as he walks off court after losing his match against Canada's Milos Raonic. Photograph: tefan Wermuth/Reuters.

World No.3 Roger Federer was knocked out of Wimbledon semifinal by sixth seeded Milos Raonic.

The 17-time Grand Slam winner Federer, who last won a major title way back at 2012 Wimbledon, missed out on a golden chance to claim his record eight title at the SW19 with nemesis and world No.1 Novak Djokovic also ousted in the earlier round.

Reactions soon started pouring in after Federer's heartbreaking defeat with some hailing the fighting spirit of the Swiss legend. 

"If ever in this generation of sports stars there is a crowd favourite, it has to be Roger Federer. Simply outstanding!," India’s former women’s captain Anjum Chopra posted on social media.

"That's just great stuff from Milos. Having a powerful serve is truly a big advantage," wrote former India tennis star Mahesh Bhupati.

"Fatigue's visibly creeping into Federer's game..not surprisingly really! Power tennis may be depriving us of touch tennis..reckon that's the way!," former India cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi tweeted.

IMAGE: Canada's MilosRaonic in action against Switzerland's Roger Federer. Photograph Clive Brunskill/Pool/Reuters.

Tennis legend and Novak Djokovic's coach Borris Becker praised the fighting spirit of Raonic and shared his tremendous respect for Federer.

"Well done @milosraonic for holding it together but great respect to@rogerfederer for being a legend," Becker posted. 

India's badminton star Parupalli Kashyap, who is a big fan of Federer said, "First ever time seeing Roger Federer fall on the court." 

"Great game of tennis, Congrats Milos Raonic. Hard luck Roger Federer.. Great to see never die attitude from both," tweeted Mumbai Indians pacer R Vinay Kumar.