Wimbledon men’s semifinals: What they need to do to win

They’re two tantalising Wimbledon semifinals, but what do the players need to do to win? We take a look at the numbers and factors that separate Roger Federer and Milos Raonic, Tomas Berdych and Andy Murray.

Roger Federer [3] v Milos Raonic [6]
H2H: 9-2
Last meeting: Raonic won 6-4 6-4 (Brisbane 2016)
Grass court H2H: Federer leads 2-0
Roger Federer Wimbledon best: Winner 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Milos Raonic Wimbledon best: Semifinal 2014

What Federer needs to do to win: Start fast(er) and serve well. Roger hasn’t exactly been quick out of the blocks in his matches at Wimbledon so far. And while he managed a famous comeback against Marin Cilic, it’s hard to see Raonic letting that kind of advantage slip. Roger also needs to serve out of his skin. The big Canadian won’t afford him many opportunities to break, meaning the Great One needs to hold at all costs.

What Raonic needs to do to win: Unsettle Federer. If Raonic sits back and lets Roger play his game then the likelihood is the Canadian will lose. If he mixes it up, rushes the net and hustles the seven-time champion, he could have the edge. Milos knows he can beat Roger, he just has to have faith in his game to do so.

Prediction: Federer in four sets

Tomas Berdych [10] v Andy Murray [2]
H2H: 6-8
Last meeting: Murray won 6-3 6-2 (Madrid 2016)
Grass court H2H: First meeting
Tomas Berdych Wimbledon best: Runner-up 2010
Andy Murray Wimbledon best: Winner 2013

What Berdych needs to do to win: Frustrate the Brit. Despite the relatively close H2H, this isn’t a great match up for Berdych. The big Czech needs to come out firing and hope that everything he hits – in particular the serve – goes in. If he can start strong and unsettle Murray in front of the Centre Court crowd, he has an outside chance of getting the win.

What Murray needs to do to win: Play his game… very, very well. Andy Murray will be confident going into this and for good reason. The Briton will look to absorb Berdych’s fire power, while simultaneously wrapping him up in his counterpunching web. If the pressure of the moment doesn’t get to him, Murray will back himself as the clear favourite.

Prediction: Murray in three sets