Flawless Federer routs Raonic to reach ninth Wimbledon final

Federer, who will play his ninth Wimbledon final, wasted little time or energy in dispatching Canada's Raonic, who was bidding to join compatriot Eugenie Bouchard, the women's finalist, in the weekend title matches.

But Federer, now 9-0 over Canadians, had something to say about that dream as he pounded the 23-year-old mercilessly with his satin-smooth grass game running at full throttle.

Top seed Djokovic reached his third Wimbledon final in the past four editions, holding off Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (9-7).

Federer's win puts him back to third in the world and ahead of compatriot Stan Wawrinka in the rankings.

"I'm extremely happy to be in another final," said the Swiss, who ended with 32 winners and just 11 unforced errors in the game.

"I've had almost the perfect path, I played some great tennis in the firs week under pressure after losing in the second round a year ago.

"I was glad to go through the first week and in the second I've been playing better as it goes on. I was happy to beat Raonic and get the job done. Now I'm looking forward to another match with Novak."

Federer stands 18-16 in the series and 2-1 this season with victories in the Dubai and Monte Carlo semi-finals.

"We always have good matches, he's won the trophy here before and knows how to get it done.

"Winning an eighth Wimbledon would mean a lot to me, I know I don't have ten more (years here) so I'll enjoy it."

Djokovic spent three hours in earning his success over Dimitrov, with 17 aces, 45 winners and three breaks of the player who beat holder Andy Murray in the previous round.

Djokovic will be keen for the Sunday title match after losing his last three grand slam finals: Wimbledon and the US Open in 2013 and the French Open a month ago.

"As in my last match, I let my opponent come back," said Djokovic, who had the same problem in the previous round with Marin Cilic.

"But I'm glad to be in another Wimbledon final."

The Serb held a lead of a set and a break when 11th seed Dimitrov, watched intently by girlfriend Maria Sharapova, made a run of his own by winning the second set.

Djokovic had to dig deep to claim the last two sets in tiebreakers on a Centre Court which was looking increasingly slippery as both men lost their footing on several occasions.

Djokovic had to rally as he trailed 6-3 in the fourth-set tiebreaker. He nullified all three Dimitrov chances before going through on a cross-court volley winner.

"It was a good win for me," said the six-time grand slam champion.

"It was good to be part of an entertaining match.

"But I'm into a Wimbledon final. I must be on top of my game."

Djokovic will be playing in his 14th grand slam final after lifting his last trophy at the Australian Open 18 months ago.

He can reclaim the number one ranking by winning the title after last holding the top spot in September.