Shanghai. We have the best possible final in Shanghai where Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will clash for the title!
After Nadal beat Cilic in the first semi-final (see article), Roger Federer managed to defeat an in-form Juan Martin Del Potro in the other half of the draw to set up a blockbuster final.
The match
The Swiss was supposed to have a relatively easy ride against the Argentine the got injured to his left wrist in the quarter against Viktor Troicki. In the recent past, Del Potro was out for more than 1 year because of that wrist, and many speculated that he would not have competed against Roger. Eventually, the Tower of Tandil decided to play, and it seemed as he was in perfect conditions.
Juan won the opening set after conquering his only break in the 6th game (4-2) at 15. That was a significant setback for Federer that won the first 2 service games at love, and he held the last one of the set at 15.
Roger conceded just 2 points on serve in the entire second set; the Swiss managed to achieve the crucial break after a gigantic 6th game (4-2) that lasted 14 minutes (Roger then held his serve in 1 minute!). After this feat, the Maestro won the second set to bring the affair to the 3rd set.
Federer was spotless on serve also in the decider when he conceded only 6 points in total, while Del Potro appeared heavy on his legs. The Argentine was broken in the 3rd (1-2) and the final game before the world no.2 conquered the contest. The final score was 3-6 6-3 6-3.
It’s about not blinking at the wrong time. FEDERER
Roger was probably unhappy with that break that he conceded in the 1st set, but he was still elated with his overall performance to comment “It’s nice at this late stage of the career that we still have these matches going on. There is only going to be a few chances for either player, and sometimes it’s just who blinks at the wrong time.
Clearly getting the break and then holding, it’s always key in tennis. I’m happy I was able to do it, especially with all the twists and turns and, blink at the wrong time, he might hold the game and then you don’t know what’s going to happen next.”
Next vs. Nadal
Roger will face his nemesis Rafael Nadal in the final. The head to head is 23-14 for the Spaniard, but Federer has won the last 4 encounters. It’s game on!
| ENEMIES AGAIN? |
| Embed from Getty Images |
