Roger Federer wishes Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic well after injuries

Roger Federer expressed his sympathy for Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic after they exited Wimbledon with injuries, and said he has "a lot of respect" for Murray playing through the pain.

The 35-year-old Federer is now the only member of the game's 'Big Four' left standing at the All England Club and, close to his blistering best, looks primed to win a 19th Grand Slam title.

While Djokovic retired injured against Tomas Berdych and Murray was hampered by a hip problem in his loss to Sam Querrey, Federer barely broke sweat in a straight-sets win over Milos Raonic.

"You wish them well right away as a rival to them and a friend," said Federer. "It does happen. Novak's not missed any slams basically. I don't want to say sooner or later these things unfortunately happen but he's played a lot of tennis in recent years.

"For him to be hurt at some stage is only normal. That's why we want him to recover quickly.

"Andy, I hope by playing he didn't make things worse. It's big for him to step out on court and give it a go, even though maybe knowing, like me last year, that chances are slim he was going to defend this title.

"I have a lot of respect for him doing that. I just hope that he comes out on the other side now not having to miss much later on."

Murray and Djokovic's physical problems, in particular, appear to highlight the wisdom of Federer's selective approach to the tennis calendar.

Murray: I can't be No 1 forever

Andy Murray refused to blame his Wimbledon exit on his troublesome hip injury

He took six months off last year to recover from a knee injury and then sat out the recent clay-court season, instead choosing to rest and recuperate for the summer.

"I'm rested. I'm fresh. I'm confident, too. Then great things do happen. Confidence is a huge thing," he said.

"Last year I had a hard, hard time practising through the clay-court season. The grass-court season was difficult because of the back issues I had and the knee issues.

"This year I'm just a normal tennis player again where I can focus on tactics. I think that's the difference. I'm playing very well."

Injured Djokovic considers 'break'

Novak Djokovic revealed that the elbow injury that forced him out of Wimbledon has been 'bothering' him for a year and a half

Federer will now face 11th seed Berdych, against whom he has won his last seven matches in a row, before a potential final with either Marin Cilic or Querrey.

It means Federer is now the overwhelming favourite to claim a record eighth Wimbledon title this weekend.

"Being the favourite or not the favourite doesn't matter, these other guys are all big hitters," said Federer.

"They've got big serves, big forehands - big hitters really. All three guys are taller and stronger than I am.

"I've got to figure out a different way, carve my way through the draw somehow with my slice and my spins, my consistency maybe. I'm looking forward to doing that."

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