joel, you owe me $500 (million) doll(h)a(i)rs.

Roger Federer had lost six of seven matches to Novak Djokovic, most recently last month in a dispiriting, straight-set affair in the French Open semifinals.

But that was on red clay during a soggy second week in Paris when it was even tougher than usual to breach Djokovic’s formidable defenses.

Wimbledon was rainy, too, on Friday. But Centre Court now has a retractable roof and so Federer, with his suspect back and grand plans, was able to stay safe and dry on his favorite tennis court; able to shift the momentum of a great rivalry back his own way with a stirring and surprising 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory in the semifinals.

“Obviously I’m ecstatic; I’m so happy,” Federer said. “I played a great match today.”
...
At age 30, Federer, the smooth-moving and enduring Swiss champion, is now just one victory away from tying William Renshaw and Pete Sampras with a seventh Wimbledon singles title. He is also only one victory away from reclaiming the No. 1 ranking. (via)