Roger Federer quit unexpectedly in the quarterfinals at the US Open. The 38-year-old professional tennis player from Switzerland lost on Tuesday (local time) in New York against the Bulgarians Grigor Dimitrov with 6: 3, 4: 6, 6: 3, 4: 6, 2: 6. Federer was beaten at the last Grand Slam tournament of the season after 3:12 hours. Dimitrov, whose first win came in the eighth duel with Federer, faces Russia's Daniil Medvedev, Federer's compatriot Stan Wawrinka in the semifinals on Friday, 7: 6 (8: 6), 6: 3, 3: 6, 6 : 1 defeated.
Previously, defending champion Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the second round. The Wimbledon winner from Serbia gave in the reissue of the 2016 final against Wawrinka at the score of 4: 6, 5: 7, 1: 2 - because he had pain on the shoulder.
And also Federer stopped this time probably an injury.
At first he had everything under control at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The record Grand Slam tournament winner managed a quick break, after only 29 minutes he got the first set 6: 3. Everything seemed to work as in the previous comparisons between Federer and Dimitrov, which the Swiss had all won.
Back problems in the Swiss
But this time the Bulgarian did not shake off so easily. With brave playing he brought the big favorite, who had triumphed in New York from 2004 to 2008, in distress and managed after a total of 1:07 hours the set compensation. But Federer shook himself only briefly and then took control of the game again. The 20-time Grand Slam tournament winner took his service twice from his opponent and took the lead again with 2: 1 sets.
However, Federer was not as fresh overall as in the previous round, when he had defeated the Belgian David Goffin in a rush. Later he spoke of back problems, without taking this as an excuse for the defeat: "This is Grigor's moment and not the moment of my body," Federer said. He was in pain, "but I could play."
Right at the beginning of the fourth set, he gave his serve and ran from that back afterwards in vain. At the score of 4: 5 he could not use four breakballs, a little later Dimitrov turned his first set ball.
The decision had to fall in the fifth round. But before that, Federer disappeared from Center Court for a few minutes and got himself treated. It was clear that an injury hindered him, because in the fifth set Federer was completely hopeless. Dimitrow managed two quick breaks, Federer's expression did not bode well. With the first match point Dimitrov made the big surprise perfect.
Serena Williams makes her 100th win at the US Open
In contrast, Serena Williams had an easy game. The 37-year-old American, who is aiming for her 24th Grand Slam title in New York, outclassed Chinese Wang Qiang 6-1, 6-0. For Williams it was the 100th win at the US Open. Only her compatriot Chris Evert has won more games in Flushing Meadows (101). Williams took just 44 minutes for her success.
In the fight for the finals she meets on Thursday on the Ukrainian Jelina Switolina.