What a struggle for Roger Federer!
On paper, the Swiss Maestro had a relatively easy semifinal in Istanbul against world no. 63 Diego Schwartzman, but often in pro tennis there is nothing like an easy match.
The world no.2 succumbed in just 29 minutes in the first set (6-2) under the powerful shots of the Argentine to finally impose his tennis in the second set when Roger imposed his superior game to Diego (6-2 for the Federer). We were all expecting an easy ride in the third set for Roger, but Schwartzman disagreed to put all his heart and bring Federer to the distance. Eventually the 17 time slam champion managed to bend his opponent at the very end to win the match 2-6 6-2 7-5 after 1 hour and 55 minutes. Match Stats.
Federer: I had to work hard
Roger commented “I think what was important in the third set was to keep working hard. I needed to put in a lot of effort to stay with Diego.”
The final vs. Cuevas
Roger will play Pablo Cuevas in the final. The Uruguayan dismissed Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-4 in just 75 minutes. This is the first time Roger and Pablo play each other. An upset would not surprise us too much.
“Cuevas is playing very, very well I think it’s going to be a tough match. Cuevas has obviously played a lot on clay.” said Roger.
| THIS WASN’T EASY…. |
| PIC OF THE YEAR? |
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