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BSP-03
TENNIS-ATP-WTA-USA-FEDERER
Federer downs Anderson to reach Miami semi-finals
MIAMI, March 29, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Roger Federer superbly cut Kevin Anderson
down to size with a magical ATP and WTA Miami Open display to seal his spot
in the semi-finals with a 6-0, 6-4 victory.
The Swiss came into the match with Anderson knowing the world number
seven’s huge serve could be the difference at Hard Rock Stadium, just as it
was in a dramatic five set, last eight encounter at Wimbledon won by the
South African last summer.
Yet after a whirlwind first set, Federer had broken the Anderson serve
three times and “bageled” his opponent, much to the delight of a packed house
on center court who came to show their appreciation for the evergreen 37
year-old as he chases a fourth Miami title which would take his career tally
to 101.
It was the first time Anderson, 32, has ever lost a first set at ATP level
to love.
There were only 27 minutes on the clock when Federer, whose backhand slice
in particular was causing Anderson all manner of problems, broke in the first
game of the second.
After that, despite some resistance from Anderson, there really only ever
looked like being one outcome.
“I played a really solid first set and got a good read on his serve,” said
the current world number five who has improved with every match on this run
to the last four.
“It was tough because I know he keeps going and if you get passive you need
to come up with a good passing shot.
“Maybe I got a bit lucky at the end, but I am just pleased to get through.”
The Swiss plays Canadian starlet Denis Shapovalov, 19, in what will be a
first meeting between the pair on Friday for a place in Sunday’s final.
“The young guys are going to carry the game forward after we have stopped
playing,” Federer said. “I am looking forward to watching them slug it out in
the future while I am sat on the couch.”
On this evidence, though, the 20 time Slam-winning star remains incredibly
hard to beat.
Anderson refused to buckle and when he finally managed to get on the board
by breaking the former world number one’s serve, he was sarcastically
applauded by some sections of what was a predictably pro-Federer crowd.
The remainder of the second set remained incredibly tight as Anderson
relied on a serve that wasn’t firing consistently — a recent elbow problem
which forced him out of Indian Wells this month appearing to hamper him at
times.
But he remained dangerous enough to save five break points in an epic ninth
game.
Federer, however, finally moved to within one service game of victory when
Anderson hit long and was broken. The Swiss then served out to love as the
clock showed one hour and 25 minutes.
BSS?AFP/GMR/0823 hrs