Roger Federer into Finals, Beats Nadal 6-3 6-4

Written by: Staff on 18th March 2012

Roger Federer into Finals, Beats Nadal 6-3 6-4

epa03149641 Roger Federer of Switzerland returns a shot to Rafael Nadal of Spain during their semifinal match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, USA, 17 March 2012. EPA/MICHAEL NELSON |

Indian Wells, CA – The greatest rivalry in tennis was postponed for more than three hours this afternoon as rain poured down at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Fans waited expectantly with umbrellas and blankets for an opportunity to view two of the games greatest do battle in their 28th meeting. Rafael Nadal, who leads the rivalry 19-8, came off a monumental victory over David Nalbandian in a highly competitive three-set quarterfinal match. Roger Federer dismissed Del Potro in straights sets in the previous round. The last time these two played each other was the 2012 Australian Open Semifinal where Nadal survived in four sets. Today, the match lasted an hour and thirty-one minutes and the world saw Federer reach a level of excellence last seen at the Barclays World Tour Finals last year.

There was a stiff wind going from one end of the baseline to the opposite baseline, and Federer took advantage of this more than Nadal. The slow, damp, and cold conditions made it easier for Federer to time the ball and rely on his run-and-gun style. Nadal tried to play consistent with heavy rollers to the Federer backhand, but on this night, Federer’s form was impeccable. No matter what shot Nadal played, Federer had an answer or chance to turn defense into offense. He nimbly picked up half-volley backhands and kept himself in cross-court rallies. Any time Nadal went to the Federer forehand, he was punished with a flatter more penetrating shot.

Federer established himself with dominant serving, winning 64% of his points when he got his first serve in and 65% of his second serve points. Nadal was tentative and chose to spin his serve in, unable to get many free points off the Federer return, and only won 58% on first serves and 44% on second serves. It was the second serve points plus the second serve return points won by Federer that turned out to be the difference between the two. Federer broke Nadal four times and was broken twice himself.

The wind left Nadal at the mercy of Federer. He was unable to hit through the court like Federer and couldn’t time his heavy spin shots. While both players framed plenty of shots throughout the match, it was a critical one by Nadal at 30-all at 5-4 in the second set that cost him most. He had Federer on a string and didn’t quite contact a transition forehand properly, sending it spinning into the net. Nadal was almost saved by the elements as they were forced to wait a few minutes as the rain dampened the court and made the lines slick. However when Federer returned, he served up an ace out wide that sounded like thunder when he struck it, sending the entire stadium to their feet to celebrate his effort. Federer now faces newcomer to the top 10, John Isner. Isner beat Federer in their last encounter during Davis Cup on an indoor clay court in Switzerland.

Topics: John Isner, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer