Roger Federer had a really tough day!
The Swiss sensation managed to reach his 8th semifinal in Cincinnati after beating Leonardo Mayer and Stan Wawrinka in the same day.
The match against the Argentine wasn’t that tough for Roger especially after he won the first set 6-1. The Maestro had to battle a bit in the second set, but eventually, he won the encounter 6-1 7-6(6).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrTdrp_gPQs
Against Stan
Roger had to play again in the evening against his dear friend Stan Wawrinka in a match that became extremely complicated.
In fact, even if Roger was in clear control of the encounter, as often happens, he got completely frustrated when he failed the opportunity to convert 2 consecutive set points on Wawrinka’s serve when he was leading 6-5 to win only 2 of the following 13 points and lose the set after a disastrous tiebreak.
However, Roger was great on his serve and he managed not to concede any breakpoint for the entire match. Therefore, also the second set went to the breaker. In this case Roger played pretty well to conquer a fast 5-2 lead; nevertheless, once again soon after, Federer didn’t manage to convert 2 consecutive set points 6-4 to find himself on a dangerous 6-6 scoreline. This time the Maestro found his way to win the following 2 points and bring the affair to the decider.
As per Roger’s admission, Stan’s level went down after the 1st part of the 3rd set and Federer conquered the last 4 games (from 2-2 to 6-2) before winning the contest 6-7 (2) 7-6 (6) 6-2.
It was a frustrating night. FEDERER
Soon after the match, Roger commented
“Stan has the power, and I’m so glad he’s back on the tour and playing well and moving well. So I really enjoyed the match for what it was.
It’s difficult to always play against him, but I’m happy I was able to find a way in the breaker in the second, because it was a frustrating night, for me, for the most period, and in the third, I was able to find a way.
I think it was partially because he maybe dropped his level, for sure, but maybe me, I also played a bit better then.”
The semis vs. Goffin
Roger will face David Goffin for a place in the final. The head to head is 6-1 for Roger, but Goffin has won their last match.