A CONFIDENT ROGER Federer expects his Wimbledon semi-final clash against Novak Djokovic to ‘get complicated’.
The Swiss third seed again dominated Russian 26th seed Mikhail Youzhny, winning 6-1 6-2 6-2 in one hour and 32 minutes at the All England Club on Wednesday.
Federer will face Djokovic on grass for the first time when they meet in the last four, with the Serbian having won six of their previous seven encounters.
The 30-year-old said he expected another titanic battle against the world number one, but added he was proud to reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon for the first time since 2009.
“Obviously it’s a big deal. No denying (it). Obviously it feels great being back in the semis, like I mentioned. I haven’t been here in the last couple years,” Federer said.
This is nice to be back to a place where I’ve been so many times before. Usually once I get to the semis, I’m playing some of my best tennis usually for the last couple rounds.
“Obviously I’m aware that Novak is the defending champion and the world number one. That’s not going to make it easy to come through.
“That’s the focus now instead of taking it two steps at a time where I know I’m holding the trophy. I know it’s possible.
“I know I’m playing really well. I am aware things are going to get complicated in the next match. I better prepare well because it’s going to be a tough match.”
Federer’s victory over Youzhny was his 14th straight over the Moscow-born right-hander and he said his superior record was an advantage.
“I think it helps, particularly when you’ve never lost against someone or you have such a one-sided head-to-head,” Federer said.
“You feel that maybe it’s up to him to change things up a bit. You just do what usually works against him – if it doesn’t then you just adjust to it.”
Well aware of his poor record against the 16-time grand slam champion, Youzhny said it was a dream of his to beat Federer.
I hope so and it’s still my dream (to beat Federer). I can say it is my dream,” Youzhny said.
“I cannot say now that I know it’s possible after a defeat like this one, but I think if I play more and more against Roger (I can do it). I hope not in the first and second rounds but later in the tournaments.
“I would like to play more and more against him and have the chance to beat him.”
