Federer books Murray clash

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:06

Federer brushed aside Murray’s challenge at Flushing Meadows with a 6-2 7-5 6-2 win to earn his 13th grand slam title, but it could be a much closer contest when the pair meet again in the Spanish capital.

Federer booked his place in the last four with a 6-3 6-3 win over highly-rated Argentinian Juan Martin Del Potro.

Federer has a 2-2 record against Murray down the years, and he said after setting up his latest showdown with the Scot: “I love playing Andy, he’s an interesting player.

“He’s a great tactician so you’ve got to come in with a proper game plan.”

Del Potro had been on a stunning run of form this summer and in his previous seven tournaments before Madrid he had won four titles, claimed one runner-up finish and also reached the quarter-finals of the US Open, where he lost to Murray.

The 20-year-old could not find the form to beat Federer on Friday though – despite serving seven aces in his first two games.

The victory for Federer kept alive the Swiss superstar’s very slim hopes of reclaiming his number one status back off Rafael Nadal before the end of the year.

To do that Federer must win all the tournaments remaining, including this one, and hope Nadal does not reach the final in Madrid.

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here