Dimitrov stuns Federer in five sets at US Open

Grigor Dimitrov came from two sets to one down to shock the five-time champion Roger Federer 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 in three hours and 12 minutes, advancing to his first semi-final in Flushing Meadows. The 28-year-old had never beaten the third seed in seven previous ATP Head to Head meetings, winning just two of 18 sets in those matchups.

There will be a first-time major finalist on the top half of the draw, as Dimitrov will play in-form fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in the last four. They have split two previous matches, both of which came in 2017.

Dimitrov took advantage of a night on which Federer never found his top level, maintaining his ground on the baseline and using great variety to keep the 20-time major winner from getting into a groove.

"After the second set I felt I was getting a good strike on my shots," Dimitrov said on the court. "My main goal was to stay on the court as long as possible. At the end for sure he was not 100 per cent. It's best of five sets and anything can happen."

Federer, the oldest major quarter-finalist since a 39-year-old Jimmy Connors made the semi-finals of the 1991 US Open, made 61 unforced errors to only 41 for Dimitrov. The Swiss converted only four of the 14 break points he earned.

"I thought he was tough off the baseline. He mixed up well, which gave me all sorts of problems with the rhythm. Could never really feel comfortable off the baseline," Federer said. "That's something in the past I've always been able to dominate, I'd say. That was not the case tonight. He did a good job there."

In the end, Dimitrov simply played the cleaner match. Although he double faulted to get broken multiple times, the Monaco resident remained calm in rallies, with Federer ultimately making 21 more unforced errors than he struck winners.

"Just disappointed it's over because I did feel like I was actually playing really well after a couple of rocky starts. It's just a missed opportunity to some extent that you're in the lead, you can get through, you have two days off after. It was looking good," Federer said. "But got to take the losses. They're part of the game. Looking forward to family time and all that stuff, so. Life's all right."

At the beginning of the match, it was tough to forecast an upset. The 38-year-old Swiss seemingly set the tone by breaking in his first return game en route to a 3-0 lead. Federer dropped just nine games total in his previous two matches before facing Dimitrov, so it looked like much of the same.

But Dimitrov, a first-time US Open quarter-finalist, made his key breakthrough when he broke for 4-2 in the second set. Even though he could not serve out the set at 5-3, returning the break of serve with a double fault into the net, Dimitrov showed that he was very much in the match, and on his first set point Federer mishit a cross-court forehand well wide.

Federer broke twice in the third set to capture the momentum. But like in the second set, he was unable to get off to a quick start in the fourth, and that proved costly. After Dimitrov forced a decider, Federer left the court for a medical timeout as the Bulgarian did push-ups on his bench to stay warm.

"I just needed some treatment on my upper - what is it - back, neck," Federer said. "Just needed to try to loosen it up, crack it and see if it was going to be better."

Dimitrov raced to a double break and 4-0 lead in the fifth set as Federer continued to make unforced errors, struggling to find energy. And finally, after holding to love, Dimitrov put his hands on his head and let out a massive roar after securing the win.

Looking forward, Federer said he plans to play Laver Cup and compete in "Shanghai, Basel, maybe Paris, London."

"I think still it's been a positive season. Disappointing now, but I'll get back up, I'll be all right."

Date: 4 September 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer cruises into US Open last eight

Roger Federer played just two hard-court matches leading into this year’s US 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 seed David Goffin 6-2, 6-2, 6-0 after one hour and 19 minutes on Sunday to reach his 13th US Open quarter-final, tying former World No. 1 Andre Agassi for the second most in the Open Era. It is also his record-extending 56th trip to the last eight of a Grand Slam.

"Sometimes these scores just happen. You catch a good day, the opponent doesn't, then things happen very quickly. Maybe he struggled a bit early on," Federer said. "But I found my groove after a while and was able to roll, really. Never looked back."

No player has won the US Open after losing the first set in each of his first two rounds. But Federer has steadily improved his level as he continues chasing a 21st Grand Slam trophy. Against Goffin, the 102-time tour-level titlist crushed 35 winners and made only 17 unforced errors.

"David wasn't nearly as good as I expected him to be. He was struggling a little bit today," Federer said. "I was able to take advantage of it, and I think that's the key. In a fourth round like this, if you can keep it nice, short, simple, you have to take them. I'm very happy."

In the opening stages of the match, it seemed Goffin - who reached his first ATP Masters 1000 final at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati - may challenge for his second ATP Head to Head 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 2017 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 this US Open. In the third round, he dropped five total games against Daniel Evans and against Goffin, the Swiss lost only four total games.

"As soon as you get there, first match on Ashe against him, you can feel all the 20,000 people are behind him as soon as he hit the ball," Goffin said.

"All of a sudden every shot is 10 times tougher than usually. All of a sudden what you felt the day before during practice or the last matches, it feels completely different.

"He was great but I gave him the whole match," Goffin said. "It's tough to say but yeah, probably my worst match against him I've played."

Federer will next face 2017 ATP Finals champion Grigor Dimitrov who reached his maiden US Open quarter-final.

"Feeling excited first to be in US Open quarter-finals for the first time. This is what I practiced for, to play those matches," Dimitrov said.

"It's a great opportunity for both of us. Hopefully we have a great battle and we can produce some great tennis."

Federer's past two matches have been the fastest completed matches in the men's singles draw at this year's US Open. The Swiss beat Evans in one hour and 20 minutes before ousting Goffin in one hour and 19 minutes.

Date: 2 September 2019, Source: ATP and AFP

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Federer flies into US Open fourth round

There was no slow start for Roger Federer on Friday, as the Swiss soared into the Round of 16 at the US Open. After conceding the opening set in both his first and second round victories, Federer ensured those initial struggles were an anomaly. He ousted Daniel Evans 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 to open Day 5 on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"Sometimes you just have to trust your team and your warm-up, everything you've done for so long," Federer told Brad Gilbert of ESPN. "Maybe also Danny wasn't feeling it today. He played yesterday so maybe that was a competitive advantage for me. But I was able to play beautiful tennis today under a beautiful sky.

"I definitely think the court is playing much faster than at night and even indoors. That's the key to winning here and staying around, to adjust to wind, heat and humidity. It makes the ball travel differently and I was able to manage it well."

Federer was the stronger player from the baseline, with his forehand ripping through the court in perfect, sunny conditions. He triumphed after a mere one hour and 19 minutes, hitting 48 winners, including 10 aces. Moreover, Federer won 80 per cent of first serve points and 70 per cent on his second delivery.

"I had spoken to the team and we just said. We’re not going to overplay in the beginning. Take care of your serves. If he can smash winners, that's too good," Federer said in his post-match press conference. "Over time, I got very comfortable and very confident. It's a good feeling to have after the last couple of matches."

The five-time champion (2004-08) is into the Round of 16 for the 18th consecutive year. He has not missed the second week of the US Open since his debut appearance in 2000. Federer improved to 88-13 overall at Flushing Meadows.

"I think what matters the most for me is that I am in the fourth round, after those two slow starts. Give myself another opportunity to do better, and I did," Federer said. "You almost tend to forget what happened and you move forward."

Evans admitted that he was outgunned and outclassed. "Obviously I didn't play my best today, but he got on top of me early and it was difficult. I guess he has every shot, so it's not ideal to have an opponent that has every shot.

"I think he won 92%, I saw on the board, of his first serves, and that's not good for me. So I just couldn't get in his games, and getting up on the serve, he returned well when I got my serve in. But no free points was tough, as well."

Federer was on the front foot from the start, breaking for 4-2 behind a sublime drop volley winner and a blasted backhand pass. Showtime Federer was in full flow, leaping for a spinning overhead smash in the next game. And he would streak to an early lead in the second set, breaking to love in the fourth game.

It was a clinical performance from the Basel native. A wayward approach from Evans gave Federer a break to open the third set, and while the Brit would draw level in the next game, it wasn't enough. The 38-year-old did not allow his opponent to establish any rhythm, eventually crossing the finish line with a service winner.

Federer, who qualified for a 17th ATP Finals with a first-round victory over Sumit Nagal, also prevailed in four sets in a second-round win over Damir Dzumhur. Against Evans, he improved to 3-0 in their ATP Head to Head, defeating the Brit at three of the four Grand Slams. He also triumphed at Wimbledon in 2016 and earlier this year at the Australian Open.

The World No. 3 will next face 15th seed David Goffin, who beat 2017 semi-finalist Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain 7-6 (5), 7-6 (9), 7-5. The Belgian hit 52 winners and won 76 per cent (19/25) of his trips to the net.

Goffin trails Federer 1-8 in their ATP Head to Head series. Goffin recorded his lone victory two years ago during the semi-finals of the 2017 ATP Finals.

Date: 31 August 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer again overcomes slow start, beats Dzumhur in US Open 2nd round

Third seed Roger Federer shook off a slow start against Damir Dzumhur in their second-round clash on Wednesday at the US Open, rounding into form to produce a 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 victory.

The Swiss, competing in his 100th US Open match (87-13), remained flawless in second-round matches in New York (19-0). Federer was made to work once again, having also dropped the opening set in his first-round clash on Monday against Indian qualifier Sumit Nagal. The five-time US Open champion hadn't won from a set down in consecutive matches since 2014 Dubai (d. Djokovic and Berdych).

"I have been in that position many times where you go through a little phase where you don't start so well. When it happens like this back-to-back matches, it's just a bit frustrating more than anything, especially when the level is that low and there is that many errors and the energy is not kind of there," said Federer. "But I'm not concerned. It's all good and I just need to take the positives out of it, because once I lose that first set I do get better, which is a good thing."

Dzumhur hadn’t taken a set off Federer in their two previous ATP Head to Head meetings, but was unawed by competing in Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Swiss looked out of sorts in the early stages of the match, hitting eight winners to 17 unforced errors as Dzumhur raised his level in crucial moments.

"He was my idol. He was a person out of the court and on the court I was following. He was definitely, for me, the best player in tennis history," Dzumhur told before his latest clash against Federer. “I just think that I have to get in the match to try to play good, to try to do what I was doing in practice. If I play a really good game, I can always make trouble for any player."

After pondering his form at the changeover, Federer came out in full flight to start the second set. Pinning Dzumhur to the baseline with increased pace on both wings, the Swiss leapt in the air after rifling a forehand winner to hold serve for a 4-1 lead. Three games later, a double fault from the Bosnian levelled the match after one hour of play.

The third-set scoreline didn’t reflect the numerous challenges posed to Federer throughout. Dzumhur held at least one game point in five of the nine games, but Federer continued to come up with the goods - a backhand passing shot in the second game, a cheeky drop shot in the fourth game and a forehand winner in the seventh game - to keep bringing the score back to deuce. The Swiss took a commanding lead with an ace, marking his 43rd total winner of the match.

Federer scored an early break at 1-1 in the fourth set and the slight advantage was all he needed. A strong first serve from the Swiss wrapped up the match after two hours and 21 minutes.

Next up for Federer is No. 25 seed Lucas Pouille of France or Brit Daniel Evans. Federer is 2-0 against both men in their respective ATP Head to Head rivalries and hasn't dropped a set to either player.

"I can't reinvent myself from today to the third round," said Federer. "Tomorrow I will not practice over an hour, because I believe that all the hard work I have put in since Wimbledon and before. I have had a good season so far and I’m ready for the next round."

Date: 29 August 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer overcomes slow start in US Open first round

Roger Federer did not get off to an ideal start to his pursuit of a sixth US Open title on Monday evening. But the third seed won, and that's what counts.

The five-time champion rallied past Sumit Nagal 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in two hours and 30 minutes, guaranteeing a record-extending 17th qualification for the ATP Finals, the season finale at which he has triumphed six times.

"I think trying to forget the first set is never easy I guess in a first round, under the lights. People expect a different result. I expect something else," Federer said. "I just wanted to pick up my game really, start to play better. I was able to do that. That was a relief, going up 3-Love in the second set, realising that it is on my racquet."

Federer has now won his first-round match in 62 straight major appearances, improving his US Open record to 86-13 as he begins chasing his first trophy in New York since 2008.

His opponent, Nagal, certainly took advantage of the opportunity in the biggest match of his career to date. The World No. 190 walked onto Arthur Ashe Stadium Monday evening for his first Grand Slam main draw match without having ever earned a tour-level victory. But the 22-year-old showed little fear against Federer, who made 19 unforced errors in losing the first set.

"I wasn't serving consistently enough. I was hitting double faults that usually I don't do. Also I was just hitting too many unforced errors. I was in two minds, I guess," Federer said. "I was able to clear that a little bit. Maybe it's not a bad thing to go through a match like this. It was very similar at Wimbledon when I dropped the first set there as well in the first round. At the end you look at the last three sets, and they were good. That's encouraging."

But Nagal did not prove to have the weaponry to take the racquet out of Federer's hands. And once the Swiss found his range, he was a train rolling downhill on opening night at the year's final major.

After staving off three deuces in the first game of the second set, the 38-year-old battled hard to gain an advantage, converting his fourth break point of the next game to take the lead. Federer quickly extended his lead to 5-0, before clinching the 42-minute set when Nagal launched a forehand long.

Federer would break immediately in the next two sets, putting constant pressure on the qualifier.

Nagal showed his fighting spirit in the fourth set, breaking back for 2-2 with an inside out forehand passing shot that blew past Federer at net. But this year's Dubai, Miami and Halle champion earned another break in the next game when the Indian missed an inside-out forehand wide, and he never looked back. Federer overcame four break points - including a 0/40 deficit - as he served for the match to move on.

The key proved to be Federer's pressure. Once he cut down his errors after the first set, he kept on top of Nagal, winning 33/50 net points compared to 7/17 for the qualifier.

"He loves putting pressure on the other guy," Nagal said. "He's always making you think of what he's going to do, and that's how I felt. Players I have played, I never had this feeling. But what he was doing so good was he was mixing it so well that you have no idea where the ball is coming back. So you always have to react to it."

Federer had lost a set in his first-round match at the US Open just once since 2003 (2017 vs. Tiafoe). The 20-time Grand Slam champion has not fallen in the opening round at a Grand Slam since 2003 Roland Garros.

Damir Dzumhur, who beat French qualifier Elliot Benchetrit 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-0, awaits in the next round. Federer will take confidence knowing he defeated the three-time ATP Tour champion in straight sets at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2015.

Date: 27 August 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer: "US Open is going to be a tough tournament to win"

Roger Federer has won the US Open five times, but all of those victories in Flushing Meadows came in consecutive years from 2004 - 08. Nevertheless, the 38-year-old arrives in New York confident as he begins his pursuit of a 21st Grand Slam title.

“We were talking on the practice court yesterday or two days ago, this is probably the best I've felt in years coming into the US Open again, which is encouraging,” Federer said.

The Swiss superstar has long enjoyed success at the season’s final major, advancing to at least the fourth round in his past 17 appearances, dating back to 2001. But since his string of championships here, Federer has made the final just twice, in 2009 and 2015.

“It hasn't always been easy here,” Federer said. “Two years ago I came in with a back issue a little bit, I had a struggle early on with five-setters. I remember Tiafoe and others. That set the tone the tournament was going to be tough. Last year I struggled with the heat against Millman. 2016 I missed it entirely.

“I mean, look, I have no explanation why it didn't go as well as it did. I think I was a bit unlucky with health for sure, also. That was part of it.”

Although Federer has a strong 85-13 record at this tournament, he has not lifted the trophy in New York in 11 years. The World No. 3 doesn’t feel an itch to rejoin the winners’ circle here just because of that compared to his usual desire to triumph, though.

“I'm not putting extra pressure on myself. I know it's going to be tough. I'm not coming in as the overwhelming favourite like maybe I did back in 2006 or 2007. I'm very much aware of how I need to approach this tournament mentally,” Federer said. “What I'm very proud of is I've had a very consistent last year and a half, two years, ever since my back locked up on me in Montreal. I struggled here as well, struggled for quite a while.

“I've been playing well. Playing well in Slams recently, which has been great. I think also the win over Rafa in the semis of Wimbledon was big for me. Also the finals, the way I played that in Wimbledon, is going to give me some extra confidence.”

Federer was desperately close to claiming his ninth Wimbledon title, earning two championship points against World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. But the Serbian was able to capitalise on a missed forehand from the Swiss and a passing shot from his own racquet to stay in the match, before emerging victorious after a final-set tie-break at 12-all.

“I struggled a little bit the first couple days. At the same time I was caravaning with my kids. I didn't have that much time thinking about all the missed opportunities. I was setting up tables and organising my life for my four children, driving around the beautiful countryside in Switzerland,” Federer said. “Sometimes you have flashbacks, things like, ‘Oh, I could have done that, should have done that.’ The next day you're having a glass of wine with your wife thinking, ‘The semis was pretty good, even the finals was pretty good.’ You go in phases.

“We put up a great fight. Somebody had to win. Novak was the better man on the day. He was tough. I don't know. I've been there before, had some tough losses along the way. So many great wins, as well. I was just more upset rather than being sad. I think being upset made me get over that finals much easier than being sad, dwelling over it too much.”

In his only tournament since Wimbledon, Federer was upset in the third round of the Western and Southern Open by Andrey Rublev. The last three times Federer lost that early in Cincinnati (2008 R16, ‘06 R32 and ‘04 R1), he went on to lift the US Open trophy.

“I'm happy where my game is at. Cincinnati might be a good thing that I lost early, who knows. It's maybe one of those things that sometimes needs to happen, like when I won at the Australian Open, went to Dubai, lost first round in '17, then went on to win Indian Wells and Miami,” Federer said. “Maybe the same thing, played a great Wimbledon. Needed to get knocked down in Cincy, get my act together, train hard. That's what I did. I'm ready for the US Open.

“It's going to be a tough tournament to win, no doubt about it. I feel like I'm part of that group who can do it.”

Date: 23 August 2019, Source: ATP

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