Federer crashes out of Wimbledon

Roger Federer crashed out of Wimbledon yesterday in a foul mood as he blamed injuries on his shock exit to Tomas Berdych.

Swiss superstar Federer, 28, tried to rally against Czech Berdych, 24, before slumping to a 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 defeat.

Berdych's aggressive display left the defending champion's bid for a seventh crown in tatters.

Grumpy Federer now plans to take two weeks' holiday and will not tune in to watch the final on television on Sunday.

He insisted he needs the rest because he has problems with his back and leg which he attributed to the upset.

"I couldn't play the way I wanted," moaned Federer. "I am struggling with a little bit of a back and leg issue.

"That doesn't quite allow me to play the way I would like to play. It's just uncomfortable, you can't play freely. "And when you can't play freely, that's the kind of performance you get.


"It is frustrating to say the least and I am looking forward to some rest anyway. I am going to have two weeks' vacation. I doubt I'll watch the final as I'll be away."

Federer's reverse meant a second successive Grand Slam quarter-final loss after reaching 23 consecutive semi-finals until the French Open, where he was beaten by Sweden's Robin Soderling.

The star has also slipped behind Rafael Nadal in the world rankings.

But he dismissed suggestions he is past his prime following 16 grand slam titles. He added: "God, I can't wait for Paris and Wimbledon to come around next year.

"They have been frustrating tournaments for me this year but quarters is still a decent result.

"I can get back to my best - that's why I am here."

Berdych faces Serbian Novak Djokovic, 23, who eased into his second Wimbledon semi-final yesterday by outclassing Taiwanese giant-killer Lu Yenhsun 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

Czech Berdych was unimpressed with Federer's comments but said: "I don't know if he is looking for some excuses."




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