The Unexpected Challenge: Roger Federer’s Wimbledon Quarterfinal Victory

Before Roger Federer played Marin Čilić in the Wimbledon quarterfinals, on Wednesday— before he pulled off one of the most remarkable performances in his remarkable career—it seemed as if the gods of tennis were protecting him in this tournament, as if they were taking care of one of their own. First, they gave him a draw to dream of—and then, by insuring the improbable upsets of his likely opponents, softened it even more. In the first round, the gods lined up Guido Pella, an Argentinian who has never won a match on grass. In the second round, they set up a cameo for Federer in the delightful tale of Marcus Willis, a country-club pro ranked seven hundred and seventy-second in the world. In the third round, they sent him another Brit, Daniel Evans, ranked ninety-first. In the fourth round, there was an American, Steve Johnson, who had just won his first grass-court title, in Nottingham, but who is best known for his success as a college player. While Novak Djokovic struggled in a rain-interrupted match on Court 1, against an inspired Sam Querrey, Federer cruised through his matches under the roof of Centre Court, playing men who were just happy to be there. When the sky cleared, Djokovic was gone, and Federer had an extra day of rest.

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