Roger Federer advanced to the sixth semi-final of the 2018 season following a thrilling 6-7, 7-6, 6-2 win over compatriot Stan Wawrinka in two hours and 16 minutes. It was their 24th meeting and first since the Indian Wells final in 2017, with Roger celebrating victory number 21 over a good friend after overcoming a first set loss and a tight second set tie break to dominate the match.
decisive and stay on the title track. Federer lost 18 points in his games, never facing a break point and keeping the pressure on Stan, who remained untouched until the deciding set. There, Roger took two return games to end Stan’s run in the quarters.
Wawrinka was the lowest-ranked quarterfinalist in Cincinnati since 1993, unable to go any further and reach the semifinals. The overall numbers weren’t that great for either player, with Federer shooting 31 winners and 48 errors to bring down Stan’s 21-41 ratio, having the upper hand in the shorter and longer rallies to earn the win fairly.
Both players served less than 50% in the first set, but nobody could notice that in Roger’s games, losing a point in each of his service games to increase the pressure on the other side of the net. Stan fended off two break chances at 2-3 and had to pass the ultimate test in game 12 when Roger created two set points.
The younger Swiss saved them both to gain momentum before the tie break, where he won all four service points with the winners. On the other hand, Roger suffered three mini-breaks to lose the breaker 7-2 after Stan’s backhand down the line.
Wawrinka was still serving below 50% in the second set, but had to play alone against a break chance, while Roger still had to miss serve, losing five points in total.
Federer is a global icon
During the interview, Roger Federer was asked to pick a profession he would have pursued if he had not become a tennis player.
The Swiss maestro revealed that he would have loved to have been a DJ, describing in detail his love for music and for creating “good vibes.” “I love music. I get up with it and go to bed with chill out sound,” the Swiss said.
“At home, I’m the one who creates good vibes, in the apartment, at invitations, in the car, I want to tell the children who used to make good music (laughs). Actually, I would have liked to be a DJ. One day I want to buy a DJ set for fun.
I grew up during the techno era of the 90’s, also went to the street parade a couple of times which was on my birthday in the summer, awesome!”
