Roger Federer Beats Mischa Zverev Sets up Semi Final Clash Against Stan Wawrinka – By Ricky Dimon

Written by: Staff on 24th January 2017

Roger Federer Beats Mischa Zverev Sets up Semi Final Clash Against Stan Wawrinka - By Ricky Dimon

epa05746052 Roger Federer of Switzerland in action during his Men's Singles quarter-final match against Mischa Zverev of Germany at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 24 January 2017. EPA/LUKAS COCH AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

There has been an unusual amount of carnage in the men’s singles event at the Australian Open, but two familiar faces have reached the semifinals in the top half of the draw. And they are especially familiar to one another.

It will be Roger Federer vs. Stan Wawrinka on Thursday night after the two Swiss stars won their respective quarterfinal encounters on Tuesday. Wawrinka cruised past Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-3 before Federer also advanced in straight sets, ending Mischa Zverev’s amazing run with a 6-1, 7-5, 6-2 victory.

The only tense moments of Thursday’s first quarterfinal contest came in the opening set, which not only required a tiebreaker to be decided but also saw Wawrinka and Tsonga exchange not-so-friendly words during a changeover. Melbourne’s 2014 champ and current No. 4 seed seized complete control after dominating the tiebreaker seven points to two.

“I think today was my best match of the tournament,” Wawrinka commented. “Great focus all the match. I found a way to break him few times, also. I’m really happy–really happy to get in semifinal again. It’s a great result. I’ll enjoy tonight and get ready for the next one.”

Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland in action against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France during Quarterfinals of the Men’s Singles at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 24 January 2017. EPA/MARK R. CRISTINO

Federer made similarly quick work of his quarterfinal–one hour and 32 minutes to be exact. The 17-time major champion recorded 65 winners (nine of which were aces) and just 13 unforced errors.

“I’m pleased with the way I started the match,” Federer assessed. “Second set was definitely a key to shut it down. It was good that I was able to break back after he played a good game there. Then in the third set I think I was rolling. It was a nice match; I think I played great. Mischa had a wonderful tournament, so well done to him.”

The 35-year-old’s tournament will continue with a 22nd career meeting with Wawrinka.

“I think [Stan] and Rafa know my game (better than anyone else),” Federer concluded. “Stan and I practiced so much together. With Rafa, I only practiced once in my life, whereas with Stan, I can’t even keep count anymore. Yeah, I guess those two guys know me very well.”

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand.

Topics: Australian Open, Mischa Zverev, Ricky Dimon, Roger Federer, Sports, Stan Wawrinka, Tennis News