OMNISPORT

Roger Federer tasted defeat in the last four at Wimbledon for the first time as Milos Raonic produced a tremendous fightback on Friday to reach his maiden grand slam final.

A record-equalling seven-time champion at the All England Club, Federer came from two sets down in his last-eight tie against Marin Cilic and looked set to earn another gritty win when he recovered from giving up the opener on Friday to lead 2-1.

However, Raonic withstood pressure from his vastly experienced rival to take the fourth set and then finished the stronger to complete a 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 4-6 7-5 6-3 victory and inflict a shock defeat on the darling of Centre Court.

Four years to the day since winning his last Wimbledon crown and a month shy of his 35th birthday, Federer may wonder if he will get a better chance to add to his 17 slam titles.

Raonic, meanwhile, can look forward to a meeting with either Andy Murray - who beat him in the final at Queen's last month - or Tomas Berdych, having continued his fine grass-court form since adding John McEnroe to his coaching team.

Raonic was beaten in straight sets when he met Federer in the semi-finals two years ago, but some trademark strong serving helped the underdog edge in front on this occasion.

There was initially no sign of the world number seven faltering under pressure, but a double fault gave Federer the edge in a second-set tie-breaker and the veteran capitalised ruthlessly to pull level.

Raonic's mistakes were suddenly becoming more frequent and a wild backhand enabled an increasingly assured Federer - hardly troubled on serve by this point - to claim his first break and forge ahead.

There was to be another twist in the tale, though, as Raonic showed impressive resolve to save three break points in the fourth set, before taking his third chance when Federer surprisingly threw in consecutive double faults with another breaker appearing imminent.

Federer received treatment on his right thigh ahead of the decider and was then broken to fall 3-1 down, having prompted concern with an awkward slip earlier in the same game.

The Swiss was unable to turn the tide thereafter as Raonic surged to the winning post, the biggest victory of his career confirmed when Federer put a forehand wide.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Raonic [6] bt Federer [3] 6-3 6-7 [3-7] 4-6 7-5 6-3

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Raonic - 75/40
Federer - 49/14

ACES
Raonic - 23
Federer - 16

BREAK POINTS WON
Raonic - 3/8
Federer - 1/9

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Raonic - 68
Federer - 61

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Raonic - 83/46
Federer - 82/52

TOTAL POINTS
Raonic - 167
Federer - 160