Friday, July 6, 2012

147823274_crop_exact Julian Finney/Getty Images

Wimbledon heavyweights Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer both cruised to straight-set victories in Wednesday's men's quarterfinal round, setting up a can't-miss semifinal matchup between two of the world's best tennis players.

Djokovic is the defending champion at the All England Club, while Federer has won six times at Wimbledon, his last title coming in 2009.

Here is everything you need to know to get set for Friday's epic semifinal showdown at Wimbledon Centre Court.

When: Friday, July 6

Watch: ESPN

Live Streaming: ESPN3.com

What to Watch For

147824385_crop_650x440 Clive Rose/Getty Images

World No. 1 Djokovic has dropped just one set through his first five matches at Wimbledon this summer, living up to his ranking and proving to be the top tennis star on the men's side.

Friday's semifinal will surely be Djokovic's to lose, though. At age 25, the five-time Grand Slam champion is in his prime and on a mission to challenge Federer's record 16 career Grand Slam titles.

Meanwhile, Federer is chasing Pete Sampras for the most all-time championships on the men's side at the All England Club. Federer has won it all at Wimbledon six times dating back to 2003 and can tie Sampras with a seventh championship at the prestigious grass-court Grand Slam.

Fed's bid to win again will face its biggest threat on Friday, though, as he will take on a man who has had his number as of late. Federer is 14-12 against Djokovic all-time but just 5-5 against him in Grand Slams. Just last month, Djokovic defeated Federer in straight sets in the semifinals at the French Open.

Although grass presents a much different obstacle for Djokovic in overcoming Federer this summer, we have seen the Djoker's greatness translate to the green surface.

Prediction

Who wins?

  • Novak Djokovic

    32.6%
  • Roger Federer

    67.4%
  • Federer is without question one of the greatest champions Wimbledon has ever seen, but nearing age 31 next month, "Fed-Ex" will find it difficult to deliver against the world's best. Djokovic has won four of the last six Grand Slam tournaments on the men's side, including last year's Wimbledon.

    With Djokovic's Grand Slam final rival Rafael Nadal already knocked out of the tournament, the Serbian will be locked in on Sunday's final. Expect a competitive match, as Federer remains one of the best performers on grass—but Djokovic wins in the end, surviving Fed in five thrilling sets.

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