Roger Federer outclasses Mikhail Youzhny to join the winner’s circle – Gerry Weber Open 2013
Top seeded Roger Federer recorded an exceptional comeback victory against the Russian contender, Mikhail Youzhny, at the Gerry Weber Open 2013 on Sunday.
He notched up a 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 victory against the Russian to grab his first ATP World Tour title of the season.
The former world number one, Federer unleashed barrage of winners after losing the opening set and ultimately overpowered Youzhny. As a result, the Swiss improved to a 15-0 lifetime in the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head series against the 30-year-old and pocketed
250 Emirates Airways ATP Ranking points.
He said, “I'm very happy. It was a great week for me and my family. I thought I played well from the start and I really had to fight for it, in the semis against Tommy Haas and in the finals against Mikhail Youzhny. I think I did well today and they are
exactly the kind of wins I need at this part of the season. I've been preparing well for this part of the season and I'm happy it's paying off. It's obviously important for my confidence looking forward to Wimbledon now.”
In the opening set both contestants played carefully and held their entire serves with conviction. The Russian warded off five breakpoints he came across and dragged the set to a tie-breaker. He edged past Federer in it and clinched the opener with a 7-6(5)
score line.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion, Federer re-focused his strategy in the following set. He swiftly slid his entire serves with assurance and got the breakthrough in the eighth game, eventually sealing the set by winning six games to three.
Federer maintained consistency in his game in the deciding set. He smashed angled shots and bagged his entire serves. The Swiss Maestro cashed a break chance in the seventh game and clicked the decider with a 6-4 win.
Summing up the Swiss’ performance, Federer clobbered a better first serve share of 66 per cent in contrast with his rival’s 61 per cent and brilliantly marked 51 out of 64 points on it. He fired 11 aces and committed fewer unforced errors.
With this victory, Federer captured his 77th career title. He levelled with John McEnroe in third position for most number of titles in tennis history. The Swiss has won 13 grass court titles including conquering the Wimbledon Championships seven times.
He is now eyeing to defend his crown at the major grass court tournament.
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