Federer is having yet another impressive run at Wimbledon. After getting a free pass during the first round due to the retirement of Alexandr Dolgopolov, the World No. 5 breezed past his next two opponents, Dusan Lajovic and Mischa Zverev.
The Swiss’ serve was broken once in each of those two matches, but his service game was nevertheless impressive. He won at least 81 percent of his first serve points and at least 71 percent of his second serve points. Federer was especially locked in his most recent match against Zverev, as he hit 61 winners and had just seven unforced errors.
Federer has reached at least the quarterfinals in 13 of his last 14 appearances at Wimbledon, and looks to be a shoo-in to make the last eight in this year’s tournament. Federer is a perfect 5-0 in five career meetings against his round of 16 opponent, Grigor Dimitrov.
Dimitrov experienced easy passage through to the round of 16 after his opponent, Dudi Sela retired due to a leg injury. It’s only the second time in eight career attempts he’s managed to make it past the third round at Wimbledon.
Prior to that round-of-32 retirement win, the Bulgarian World No. 11 breezed through his first two opponents, Marcos Baghdatis and Diego Schwartzmann, in straight sets. Dimitrov’s serve was solid as he topped 79 percent of first serves in both matches. But his return game was surprisingly strong. He went 6-of-8 on his break point opportunities in each of those matches.
However, “Baby Fed” has not had it easy against the Swiss Master. He’s only won one set in five career meetings against Federer. Despite his strong play and three wins over top-10 opponents this season, it’ll take a monumental performance for Dimitrov to knock off the in-form Federer.
Writer’s Prediction
Federer (-700) remains unbeaten against Baby Fed as he rolls over Dimitrov in straight sets.
