The computer-like, hitting machine that glides across the court, smacking winners from everywhere and responds to the name ‘Roger Federer’ will compete in its 10th consecutive Grand Slam semifinal on Saturday… Top-ranked Federer, the personification of perfection on a tennis court, bounced No. 5 Andy Roddick 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 Wednesday night in the U.S. Open quarterfinals before a sold-out crowd of more than 23,000. The 26-year-old Swiss whiz, moved effortlessly throughout the two-hour match, struck the ball precisely from both sides and won every key point in the first two sets when Roddick tested him at every turn.
“I didn’t have a break point until the third set, which shows how tough it was,†Federer said. “I think we both played pretty well.â€
“I think I made him play as well he could play,†said Roddick who has beaten Federer only once in 15 career matches. “I’m not walking off with any questions in my head this time. I’m not walking with my head down. I played my a—off out there.â€
Federer finished with 48 winners, including 15 aces and committed only 18 unforced errors. Roddick had 42 winners, including 14 aces and committed 24 unforced errors.
“I thought the match was high level,†Federer said. “You couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. I thought it was great tennis. I didn’t think it was a piece of cake at all.â€
Seeking a fourth consecutive U.S. Open and 12th Grand Slam title. Federer says that his “repertoire of shots†is a key reason why he’s tough to beat.
“I feel I can count on many things in my game to work,†he said. “If my serve doesn’t work, I know my baseline game helps me out. So if one breaks down, I’m still okay. Mentally, I’m always aware of my opponent. I never underestimate. And usually, I can play the moment very well.â€
On Saturday, Federer plays Nikolay Davydenko in the semifinals. In Thursday’s quarterfinals, No. 3 Novak Djokovic faces No. 17 Carlos Moya and No. 15 David Ferrer plays No. 20 Juan Ignacio Chela.
Leave A Comment