Wednesday at Wimbledon saw the conclusion of quarterfinal action in each draw. The defending men's champion and the defending women's finalist both fell, but two former men's champions advanced.

Dimitrov Ousts Murray

In a post-match interview, Grigor Dimitrov stated that he sensed that his friend and third seed Andy Murray was not at his best in their quarterfinal match. However, a modest Dimitrov should take credit for a precise and successful game plan in which he brilliantly crafted points, using all of his weapons en route to a 6-1 7-6 6-2 rout over the defending champion.

For some time now, Dimitrov has been labeled as the heir apparent to earn a seat at the table of the very best in the world, even given the nickname, “Baby Federer.” On Wednesday, the world witnessed why as he advanced to his first Grand Slam semifinal. The Bulgarian looked at home on Centre Court in front of the understandably pro-Murray crowd.

Murray appeared to be in a funk, losing the first set in just 25 minutes, but he showed some fight in the second set as he battled back from a deficit to force a tiebreak. However, Dimitrov made all of the big shots in that tiebreak, keeping Murray on the defensive, and took the set. The tiebreak looked to have taken the wind out of the Scot's sails as he never recovered in the third set. Thirty-seven unforced errors contributed to the undoing of the two-time major champion.

Murray conceded that the day belonged to Dimitrov. “He was the better player from start to finish,” he said.

Djokovic Rallies against Cilic

It took five sets, but top seed Novak Djokovic advanced past Marin Cilic 6-1 3-6 6-7 6-2 6-2. It appeared that the Croat had gained control of the match after winning a third-set tiebreak that gave him a two-sets-to-one advantage. However, Djokovic quickly turned the match around by taking the final two sets while losing just four games.

Over the five sets, Djokovic gained an advantage on serve. He was broken only twice in the match while making frequent inroads on the Cilic serve, breaking seven times.  Djokovic admitted he was not at his peak on Wednesday. “He raised his game, but I allowed him to come back into it. I was too passive on my strokes, and he used his opportunities, but I managed to find the right pace when I needed it.”

Djokovic, who is now 10-0 against Cilic, will face Dimitrov in the semifinals. The Serb is 3-1 in his meetings with the Bulgarian but knows his task at hand. “He hasn't lost a match on grass courts this year,” Djokovic said. “He's the player to beat.”

Federer Eliminates his Countryman

Two long-time friends squared off in a quarterfinal match on Centre Court. Temporarily putting that friendship aside, it was Roger Federer who advanced to the semifinals with a 3-6 7-6 6-4 6-4 win.

Wawrinka looked sharp in the opening set, gaining control early. It was the first set Federer had dropped in the tournament. The pair went toe-to-toe in the second set with neither gaining an advantage. The set advanced to a tiebreak that Federer won after a single minibreak. Meanwhile, Wawrinka had requested a doctor towards the end of the set. He was seen taking some tablets later.

In the third set, Federer was able to dictate play early, moving Wawrinka around and keeping him on the defensive. But the quality of play became pedestrian with both competitors taking very few chances. However, Federer found the one service break he needed and closed out the set at 6-4. Between the third and fourth sets, Wawrinka took an extended break before returning to compete. As play began In the fourth set, it appeared that his energy level had dropped substantially as he struggled to hold serve. Federer took advantage with a break of serve, leading to his four-set victory.

Later, despite admitting that he was “not feeling great,” Wawrinka gave credit to his friend and acknowledged his strength on the grass at Wimbledon. Perhaps playing three matches in three days took a toll. Meanwhile, Federer was pleased with the outcome. “I’m just really pleased that I’m back strong this year at Wimbledon,” he said. Federer wll put that strength to the test next against Milos Raonic in the semifinals.

Raonic Halts Kyrgios

Milos Raonic joined fellow Canadian Eugenie Bouchard in the semifinals with a 6-7 6-2 6-4 7-6 (4) win against Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios. Just a day after young Kyrgios eliminated Rafael Nadal with a huge service day, Raonic blasted 39 aces himself. Kyrgios could make little headway into the Canadian's serve, breaking just once. Meanwhile, Raonic added 73 winners to go with his free service points, which was too much for the Australian to overcome.

Raonic underscored his broader goals afterwards. “It's another step forward. My goal is to be the best player in the world, and this is one of the steps I have to take. To do it on this stage makes it so much more special,” he said.

Lisicki Collapses, Halep Advances

Sabine Lisicki's love affair with grass courts looked as though it would continue as she raced out to a 3-0 lead at the start of her match against third seed Simona Halep. The 2013 runner-up built that lead to 4-1 but failed to win another game in the match, falling 6-4 6-0 to the French Open runner-up. Lisicki's confidence turned to frustration as errors mounted off her racket, striking 20 in the 16 games and 11 in the second-set bagel. It was a demoralizing defeat for the German.

Halep becomes the first Romanian woman to advance to the semifinals of Wimbledon during the Open era. In her post-game comments, she implied her play contributed to Lisicki's collapse. “She had 4-1, and then I came back very well,” she said. “I played my best today, and I was enjoying every moment because it was incredible on Centre Court.”

The win sets up a compelling match with Eugene Bouchard in the semifinals. A self-assured Halep looks forward to the challenge. “I have more confidence, and the secret is to enjoy and fight for every point. I like how I hit and move and I enjoy every moment. I don't feel the pressure. I just want to enjoy it and give my best,” she said.

Bouchard Reaches Semifinals

Eugenie Bouchard defeated ninth-seeded Angelique Kerber 6-3 6-4 to advance to the semifinals. The win came one day after the German eliminated French Open champion Maria Sharapova. It will be the third consecutive Grand Slam semifinal appearance by the 20-year-old after parallel runs at the Australian and French Opens. The tough Canadian took advantage of Kerber's second serve, pouncing at key moments. Kerber may have displayed some side effects from the grueling battle against Sharapova on Tuesday.

After a gritty first set, Bouchard raced out to a 4-1 lead in the second set but opened the door for the veteran Kerber, who crept back and nearly evened the set. But the youngster fought off the comeback and sealed the match with a flurry of clutch winners.

Now, Bouchard has her sights set on Halep and advancing a step further than in her previous Grand Slam performances. “I am excited. She is a very good player, so I am definitely ready for another tough match,” she stated. “I am so pleased to reach the semifinals again, but I want to go one step further this time around.” Bouchard joins Raonic as the first Canadians to reach the final four at Wimbledon.