Roger Federer, who will face Milos Raonic in the semifinals of Wimbledon on Friday, says that the 25-year-old believes he can win the title.
John McEnroe has been coaching Raonic throughout the tournament, but Federer believes that the Canadian is motivated enough on his own.
“I haven’t seen him play, and I didn’t see anything at Queen’s, so it’s hard for me to say,” Federer told reporters in French. "...I’m convinced that if he’s in the semifinal, he’s inspired by everything. And he should already be inspired by the moment—and you don’t even need McEnroe for that.”
Federer is 9-2 head to head versus Raonic, and he defeated the Canadian, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, in the Wimbledon semifinals in 2014. The Swiss also defeated him in Brisbane and in Indian Wells in 2015. Earlier this year, Raonic upended Federer in Brisbane.
Federer says that Raonic is gaining valuable experience.
“He wants to take the next step because he’s already been in the semifinal here two years ago,” Federer said. “It’s clear that this time he really wants it. It’s not his first (Grand Slam) semifinal. Maybe it’s a little more complicated, and he puts more pressure on himself, but I’m absolutely sure he’s a much more stable tennis player than he used to be.”