ThrowbackTimes Miami: Roger Federer tops Gimelstob for first Masters 1000 win

Back in December 1998, Roger Federer claimed Orange Bowl crown at Crandon Park in Miami, returning there a couple of months later to compete at the Masters 1000 event. The 17-year-old lost in the first round to Kenneth Carlsen in two tight sets, having to wait until 2000 to clinch the first triumph at the Miami Open. It came against Justin Gimelstob, with world no. 53 scoring a 7-5, 6-3 victory in 73 minutes for the place in the second round and the first triumph at the Masters 1000 level. Defending his second serve superbly, Roger fended off two break chances he faced, shifting the pressure to the other side of the net and producing one break in each set to find himself over the top. Both players had more winners than unforced errors, with the Swiss hitting more than 20 direct points and less than ten unforced mistakes, forcing more than 30 errors from Gimelstob and dominating in the shortest range up to four strokes to forge the triumph.

Roger fended off a break point in the third game with a forehand winner, hitting a service winner at 2-2 to remain in front. Nothing could separate them in the remaining games, reaching 5-5 in just 30 minutes after a rock-solid performance behind the initial shot on both sides. Out of sudden, the youngster found the range on the return in the 12th game, landing a forehand winner to earn a break and the opening set in 40 minutes. Gimelstob avoided a complete downfall after fending off break chances in the second game of the second set, missing the opportunity on Roger's serve in the next game following an ace from the Swiss who grabbed a break a few minutes later to open a 7-5, 3-1 gap. Federer held at 15 with an ace in game five to confirm the advantage, delivering another powerful hold at 4-2 and sealing the deal in game nine following a backhand error from Justin to record a milestone victory at the age of 18. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3eh51iT