Federer beats Tiafoe to face Del Potro in Miami

By
Mark Hall
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Roger Federer has defeated an excellent Frances Tiafoe in the Miami opener. The young American is one of the most impressive upcoming players on tour with a great power and some fascinating shots. Frances played a very solid first set against Roger to bow only at the breaker. In the second set, Tiafoe broke Federer in the very first game to drop his service soon after. Then the Maestro broke the American again in the 6th game (4-2) to win the match 7-6 (2) 6-4. The contest ended after 72 minutes.



 

Some stats

Even if the scoreline hints at an even match, Roger was much better that Frances in winning his games. The Swiss dropped just 3 points in the first set on serve. In the second set Roger conceded only 1 point in the last three service games. Eventually, the tennis legend conquered 69 points vs. Tiafoe’s 49. However, chapeaux to the young American that gave everything he could on court.

         

Tiafoe is going to be quite good. FEDERER

Roger had great words for his opponent to comment

“I’ve hit with Frances maybe twice before. I saw the power he had, the explosivity he had, how he easily can generate pace. He seemed to be fearless, good serving, taking the ball early and making the plays.

What I like to see is when a younger player comes out and really feels he has nothing to lose and only has the stuff to gain. I hope he’s going to learn a lot from a match like this just because playing on a center court with a lot of people, under pressure, saving break points, making break points, playing breakers, that’s what it’s about. It should feed a player like him with a lot of energy moving forward hopefully.

I think he’s going to be really good, like most of the #nextgen campaign.  they’re pushing each other up right now. They have a good dynamic. They are quite friendly with one another, yet they have a good rivalry.”

Next vs. Del Potro

Roger will play Juan Martin Del Potro in the 3rd round. The head to head is 15-5 for Roger; 5-1 for the Swiss on hard courts.


TO THE 3RD ROUND