Roger Federer took a somewhat circuitous route to get to this week’s Roger Cup final. For example, he needed seven match points to beat Marin Cilic in a tight three-setter and he lost a rare set to David Ferrer in the quarterfinals. On Saturday night, however, Federer enjoyed much more straightforward affair.
The 33-year-old Swiss, one day removed from his birthday, rolled to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Feliciano Lopez in one hour and 22 minutes. Federer fired 13 aces, won 25 of 29 first-serve points, and did not face a single break point. He also benefited from nine double-faults off the Lopez racket.
Federer never let go of the momentum after grabbing with a break at 2-1 in the first set, when he converted his second break chance of the game.
“I think it was big,” the world No. 3 said of the initial break. “I think it set the tone…. I felt like I was in control, especially in my own service games and creating chances on the return. I did think he was a little bit tired today. He did play one more match than I did; he did also play three sets the the last couple of days against top 10 players in a tough field. I think I was able to capitalize on that and I played a solid match.”
If he wants to capture the title, Federer will have to play well again on Sunday against a suddenly-surging Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The Frenchman took out both Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray before easing past Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals.
“I’m really pleased for him, I must say,” Federer admitted. “Because he’s gone through a tougher spell this year. He’s a good friend of mine; I’m looking forward to a tough march. When he serves so well and moves great like he is right now, he’s very dangerous.”
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand.
Topics: Andy Murray, Atp, David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez, GRIGOR DIMITROV, Jo Wilfried Tsonga, Marin Cilic, Novak Djokovic, Ricky Dimon, Roger Federer, Rogers Cup, Tennis, Tennis News, Toronto
@rogerfederer ROLLS OVER LOPEZ, SETS UP TORONTO FINAL AGAINST @tsonga7 BY @RD_Tennistalk – http://t.co/LzYJmUKthJ #tennis #toronto #Federer
RT @10sBalls_com: @rogerfederer ROLLS OVER LOPEZ, SETS UP TORONTO FINAL AGAINST @tsonga7 BY @RD_Tennistalk – http://t.co/LzYJmUKthJ #tennis…