Sebastian Liggenstorfer reports on Roger Federer’s latest victory in this year’s ATP World Tour Finals.
World number three, Roger Federer remains unbeaten at the ATP World Tour Finals this year after claiming his third successive group stage victory. The Swiss beat world number eight, Kei Nishikori 7-6, 4-6, 6-4 and will now face either Andy Murray or fellow countrymen Stan Wawrinka in Saturday’s semi-final.
Federer’s first game was full of breaks and he profited from numerous mistakes made by Japanese, Nishikori, to take a 3-1 lead in the first set. However, it did not last long as Nishikori fought back in the next game and went on to take a 4-3 lead. Just like before there was a re-break, this time it was Federer’s turn. At the end of the first half Federer finally found his rhythm on his on serve and dominated the points to go ahead 6-5. The world number three then broke Nishikori again after some great rallies to take the opening set 7-5.
He was firmly in control at this point and he only lost one game this season when winning the first set. Federer started out great in the second set and was quickly up 3-1 with a break thanks to great offensive tennis. He continued his form and seemed to be on course for an easy victory.
Momentum change
With Federer 4-1 ahead the game then completely changed as Nishikori fought back, and gained some precious momentum to win eight games in a row and take the second set 6-4.
The level of tennis stepped up another gear in the third set. Both players were hitting winners from everywhere and Nishikori had a great chance to win the set with three breakpoints, but Federer saved them all to take a 2-1 lead.
The momentum changed again in the fourth and Federer broke Nishikori’s serve to take another 3-1 lead. Just like in the second set Nishikori fought back and came rallied from 4-1 down to level the game at 4-4. Federer did not seem fazed by the pressure and took a 5-4 lead ready to end the match. The pressure shifted to Nishikori and Federer played a perfect last game and ended it with a smash winner to beat Nishikori for the fourth time in six meetings.