Roger Federerplayed just two hard-court matches leading into this yearUS Open. But after dropping the opening set in each of his first two matches at Flushing Meadows, the five-time champion has found his rhythm in New York.
Third-seeded Federer defeated No. 15 seedDavid Goffin6-2, 6-2, 6-0 after one hour and 19 minutes on Sunday to reach his 13 US Openquarter-final, tying former World No. 1Andre Agassifor the second most in the Open Era. It is also his record-extending 56 th trip to the last eight of a Grand Slam.
MostUS OpenQuarter-finals (Open Era)
* to play Sunday evening
No player has won theUS Openafter losing the first set in each of his first two rounds. But Federer has steadily improved his level as he continues chasing a 21 st Grand Slam trophy. Against Goffin, the 102 – time tour-level titlist crushed 35 winners and made only 17 unforced errors.
In the opening stages of the match, it seemed Goffin – who reached his first ATP Masters 1000 final at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati – may challenge for his second FedEx ATP Head2Head victory against Federer after breaking for a 2-1 lead in the opening set. The Belgian had defeated the Swiss on a big stage before, doing so at the 2017Nitto ATP Finals.
But Federer responded in a major way, immediately breaking back and during one stretch winning 18 of 20 points. It proved too difficult for Goffin to hold his serve throughout the match. The rallies were clearly on Federer’s racquet, breaking on nine of his 10 opportunities and winning 60 per cent of his first-serve return points.
When Federer came to net, he was in strong position to do so, winning 19 of 23 points when he ventured to net. Goffin on the other hands did not able to enjoy the success, emerging victorious on just four of 11 trips forward. The 28 – year-old also uncharacteristically made more than double the number of unforced errors (17) as he hit winners (8).
Federer lost six games in the first set of each of his first two matches thisUS Open. In the third round, he dropped five total games againstDaniel Evansand against Goffin, the Swiss lost only four total games.
Federer will next face 2017Nitto ATP FinalschampionGrigor Dimitrovor #NextGenATP AussieAlex de Minaur, who is trying to reach his maiden major quarter-final.
Did You Know?
Federer’s past two matches have been the fastest completed matches in the men’s singles draw at this yearUS Open. The Swiss beat Evans in one hour and 20 minutes before ousting Goffin in one hour and 19 minutes.
(Read More) ***
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings