Federer reached Brisbane semis after a one-sided match

Roger Federer stormed into the semi-finals of the Brisbane International on Friday evening as he dismissed Marinko Matosevic 6-1, 6-1 in just 58 minutes. The Swiss served nine aces and broke serve five times in the pair’s first meeting.

"Tonight I felt very good against Matosevic who can play very dangerous," said Federer. "He's got a good enough serve and return as well. But I was able to control most of the match except the very beginning. For that, I'm very happy."

The local support did help Matosevic off to a flying start as he held two break points against Federer in the opening game, but after that it was simply one-way traffic.

The Swiss Master raced to a 5-0 lead with little fuss, before a tentative-looking Matosevic finally got himself on the scoreboard, raising his arms to a crowd who continued to throw their energy behind him.

Despite reaching for his back on several occasions - a complaint that hampered him slightly in the previous round - Matosevic appeared more composed as the second set began and glimpses of the man who reached as high as world No.39 last year began to appear.

In response, Federer simply raised his level once more, and after Matosevic held his opening serve, he never faltered, taking the match with six consecutive games.

Federer said afterwards that he felt it was a great match for him.

“I know it was tough for Marinko though,” he added. “But I hope he’s going to play well at the Australian Open.”



Federer, who is also through to the doubles semi-finals with Nicolas Mahut, is looking to win 78th tour-level title this week. The Basel native is making his debut in Brisbane and is in with a chance of winning both singles and doubles crowns the same week for the first time since 2005 Halle.

"You've just got to be physically in shape" Federer says of playing singles and doubles tomorrow.

For a place in the final, Federer will challenge Jeremy Chardy, who ended the run of Australian wild card Samuel Groth with a 7-5, 6-4 win in 69 minutes. World No. 34 Chardy will face Federer for the first time as he looks to reach his first ATP World Tour final since 2009 in Stuttgart, where he won his lone title.

"He plays very aggressive on the hard courts," said Federer. "I remember seeing him play really well in Cincinnati, which is similar to here. I remember seeing him play well at the Aussie Open last year when he made the quarters, I think. So he can definitely bring a big game to the court, especially with his serve and forehand. He can really dictate play."

Date: 3rd January 2014, Source: ATP and Brisbane