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Roger Federer tops Rafael Nadal, reaches 12th Wimbledon final

Wimbledon, England • Roger Federer waited 11 years to get another shot at Rafael Nadal on Centre Court. This one was a semifinal, not a final. It was settled in four sets, not five.

Felt like just as much of a classic contest, though, one that anyone present is not likely to forget.

That, of course, includes Federer, who managed to pull away and beat long-time rival Nadal 7-6 (3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 Friday by finally coming through on his fifth match point.

Federer closed in on a ninth championship at the All England Club and 21st Grand Slam trophy in all.