Federer strolls into last eight
Originally published on 12/10/17 00:00
The former champion excelled in all facets of the game as he eased to a 6-4 6-2 triumph over Alexandr Dolgopolov and recorded his 41st success of a trophy-laden campaign.
The Ukrainian had failed to pick up a set in his four previous meetings with the Swiss and he made the worst possible start. The 28-year-old dropped serve in the opening game and he was unable to recover the deficit.
Federer, who made an impressive 80% of first serves, did encounter trouble as he attempted to close out the first set, but Dolgopolov netted a makeable forehand and squandered a rare opportunity to break back.
The unorthodox Ukrainian was constantly under pressure behind his own delivery and it appeared to be only a matter of time before he succumbed to his rival’s advances in the second set.
The world No.41 dropped serve for a second time in the match in the fifth game. Dolgopolov slapped a forehand into the net – after yet another punishing return from the Swiss – and his hopes of a staging an unlikely comeback were fading fast.
Federer effectively sealed victory in the seventh game. After a lengthy tussle, the world No.2 cracked a delightful backhand return winner down the line to secure yet another break of serve.
The 19-time major winner completed the formalities on serve and he will challenge Richard Gasquet on Friday. The 31-year-old confirmed his place in the last eight by outlasting compatriot, Gilles Simon, 5-7 7-6(5) in a rain-interrupted encounter.
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