Miami: Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer is preparing himself for a barrage of Kevin Anderson big serves after he sealed his place in the ATP and WTA Miami Open tournament quarterfinals in just 61 minutes here Wednesday.
Federer is celebrating 20 years at this tournament and edged closer to his fourth title in South Florida as the up and coming Russian Daniil Medvedev was swatted aside 6-4, 6-2.
Next up for the 20-time Grand Slam-winning legend is the South African World No.7 who famously beat the 37-year-old at Wimbledon in 2018 over five dramatic sets. Anderson overcame Australian Jordan Anderson 7-5, 7-5.
That triumph was Anderson’s only win over Federer in six attempts – and the only time he’s won a set. But having classily dealt with Medvedev, the former World No.1 knows it won’t be as straightforward with the 6’8” Anderson at the other end of the Hard Rock Stadium’s center court.
“I think if you beat me at Wimbledon, you’ve got my attention,” said Federer with a smile on his face, while talking to reporters. “He’s got a great serve and I’m happy he’s playing again after his injury. The matches I have played against him can be extremely close always, just because of his sheer possibilities that he has on the serve. “I’ve just got to make sure I protect my serve very well and engage him in long rallies. It will be interesting for sure.”
Defending champion John Isner, meanwhile, powered his way to the semi-finals as Roberto Bautista Agut, who sent World No.1 Novak Djokovic crashing out in the previous round, was seen off 7-6 (7-1), 7-6 (7-5). Isner will face Canadian teen sensation Felix Auger-Aliassime who beat World No.13 Borna Coric 7-6 (7/3), 6-2.
In the women’s draw, Simona Halep moved closer to reclaiming her World No. 1 crown after a well-executed 6-4, 7-5 triumph over China’s Wang Qiang.
Halep will next meet World No.7 Karolina Pliskova in who beat Marketa Vondrousova 6-3, 6-4.
AFP