Convincing Federer through to semi-finals
In an impressive display, second seed Roger Federer defeated Robin Soderling in the quarter-finals of the US Open on Wednesday evening.
Federer overcame fifth seed Soderling in three straight sets, winning 6–4, 6–4, 7–5 in what was arguably the best match of this year's tournament.
As Soderling struggled in tough conditions, the world number two prevailed on the windy evening in New York.
"It was tough conditions to play in," said Federer after the match. “It’s not easy, you know. It’s cold, everywhere it’s blowing into your ears and your eyes. I used to dislike it so much and now I’m on the other side. I take enjoyment out of it, actually."
Stable Federer unthreatened in first set
Soderling's serve had Federer under pressure in the first set as the pair won three games each.
The difference between the pair became apparent when Federer broke at his first break point (Soderling had already missed four chances to break). Federer held his serve to win the first set 6–4.
The Arthur Ashe stadium saw a thrilling opening to the second set, with Federer's brilliant forehands sending Soderling all over the court. The fifth seed matched most of the shots, but his double fault gave Federer his first break of the set.
Soderling broke level to 2–2 before Federer hit a brilliant backhand around the Swede, who had approached the net, to break again and take a 3–2 lead. Federer's serve proved too much for Soderling to manage another break, and the second seed's 13th ace won him the second set 6–4. Soderling seemed determined to claim the third set as he pressured Federer into a few rare mistakes in order to gain a 5–3 lead. In the ninth game, the 26-year-old choked and Federer broke to 5–5.
At 15–15 in that game, the classy Swiss hit a sweet lob over the Swede, a risky shot to opt for in the wind, and Soderling returned it too long.
At 6-5, Federer finished his opponent off with his 18th and final ace, proving beyond doubt that it will take a special performance to stop him winning the tournament for the sixth time.
Djokovic out for revenge
In the semis, Djokovic will do his best to overcome his nemesis. The Serb has lost to Federer in the last three editions of the US Open.
“We’ve had some good matches over the years,” Federer said about the pair's previous meetings. “He’s obviously waiting for a breakthrough where he can win this title. But he’s obviously going through me and in the past he hasn’t been able to get it done.”
Tags: