Roger Federer, a six time Wimbledon champion, crashed out of the tourney on Wednesday after he was defeated in the quarter finals by Tomas Berdych of Czechoslovakia 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. The Swiss managers later announced that Federer had been suffering from back and leg injuries for several weeks.

This was the first defeat for Federer since losing in the first round eight years ago to Mario Ancic. The loss postponed a record-equaling seventh Wimbledon trophy for another year.

Rafael Nadal, 2008 winner,  reached the final four defeating Swedish sixth seed Robin Soderling 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 6-1 in another quarter final.

Nadal, who is a friend of Federer, said the Swiss knew that one day they had to lose. “Berdych is a very difficult opponent, he hits hard from the baseline. It (the loss) can happen. I don’t feel there is any favourite for the tournament,” said Nadal.