Djokovic, Federer book semi-final showdown

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Djokovic, Federer book semi-final showdown

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Top seed Novak Djokovic will face Roger Federer in the semi-final of Wimbledon.

05 July,2012 03:25 am

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and six-time winner Roger Federer face a titanic Wimbledon semi-final showdown after the two title contenders wasted little time on their last eight matches on Wednesday.While third seed Federer pummelled Russian 26th seed Mikhail Youzhny into submission in a 90-minute 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 masterclass on Centre Court, Djokovic also took the express route against German 31st seed Florian Mayer, recording an emphatic 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 victory on Court One.Fridays other semi-final between home favourite Andy Murray and French fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will produce a first-time Wimbledon finalist.Djokovic will attempt to reach his second successive Wimbledon final by extending his current winning streak against Federer to four matches in their first ever encounter at the All England Club.The world number one has proved a thorn in Federers side of late, beating him in the semi-finals of the US and French Opens, although the Swiss great holds 14-12 edge over their 26 career meetings.Its always a pleasure playing against Roger. Im looking forward to it, Djokovic said.He is a great champion and has been so dominant and consistent at the Grand Slams. He is the ultimate challenge on grass courts.While Djokovic has every reason to feel confident, Federer, who has now reached a record 32 Grand Slam semi-finals, looked in peak form as he delivered a royal command performance in front of Prince William and Catherine.The most gripping of the four quarter-finals saw world number four Murray reach his fourth successive semi-final with a 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) win over Spains David Ferrer on Centre Court.Murray, hoping to end Britains 76-year wait for a male singles champion at Wimbledon, is now just one win away from becoming the first British man to reach the All England Club final since Bunny Austin in 1938.Tsonga reached the semi-finals for the second successive year with a 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 win over German 27th seed Philipp Kohlschreiber.The 27-year-old, who has lost five of his six meetings with Murray including on grass in the 2011 Queens final, knocked out Federer in last years quarter-finals after being two sets to love down before losing to Djokovic in the last four.I am happy to win and to get a second chance at a semi-final, Tsonga said.Philipp played very well. He served well and was the better player from the baseline. It was tough out there.