'One of the best': Federer downs Nadal to set up Djokovic Wimbledon title duel

Roger Federer reached his 12th Wimbledon final on Friday, defeating old rival Rafael Nadal "in one of his favourite ever matches", 11 years after he lost their epic 2008 title showdown at the All England Club, a match widely regarded as the greatest ever played.

The 37-year-old eight-time champion won 7-6 (7/3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the pair's 40th career meeting to move into his 31st Grand Slam final where he will face defending champion Novak Djokovic.

Top seed and four-time winner Djokovic reached his sixth Wimbledon final, and 25th at the majors, with a nervy 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Spain's 23rd seed Roberto Bautista Agut.

"Obviously extremely high," said Federer when asked to rate his latest clash with Nadal.

"It's always very, very cool to play against Rafa here.

"It's definitely going to go down as one of my favourite matches to look back at because it's Rafa, it's at Wimbledon."
- 'Sad for the loss' -
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"But I am very, very excited to say the least."
"Just accept that was not my day. I played a great event. I take this in a positive way."
However, he added wistfully: "At the same time, today is sad because for me I know chances are not forever."