ATP Finals Flashback: Roger Federer wins epic tie break over Marat Safin

Roger Federer won his first Major title at Wimbledon in 2003, closing the season with the Masters Cup title in Houston. Improving his game, Federer was the player to beat in 2004, winning 74 out of 80 matches and adding three Major crowns to his tally in what was the beginning of his domination. Tomas Berdych defeated the Swiss at the Olympic Games in Athens, and Roger would enter only three tournaments by the end of the season, winning them all to wrap up the year in style. The Masters Cup returned to Houston for the last time, with Roger as the clear favorite to defend the title. Following wins over Lleyton Hewitt and Gaston Gaudio, Roger lost a set versus Carlos Moya in a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 triumph, advancing into the semi-final for the third straight year and facing Marat Safin for a place in the final. It was their seventh meeting and sixth triumph for Roger, the third of the season after the Australian Open final and Dubai.

Federer defended the second serve more efficiently, fending off two out of three break chances and providing two breaks from six opportunities. The encounter's iconic feature came in the second-set tie break that saw 38 points, with two rivals pushing each other to the limits before Federer claimed it 20-18 to wrap up the triumph in straight sets and advance into the final. Federer hit 30 winners and 25 unforced errors, trailing to Safin in the shortest rallies up to four strokes but erasing the deficit in the most extended exchanges to emerge at the top. Roger held at 15 in the first game with a service winner and earned a break at love in game two when Marat placed a backhand long. Dominating so far, the Swiss held at love to confirm the break and sprint towards a 3-0 lead and a strong start. Marat added his name to the scoreboard with a volley winner in game four and held at love to reduce the deficit to 4-2, hoping for some return chances in the rest of the set.

In 2004, Roger Federer prevailed over Marat Safin at the Masters Cup in Houston.

Instead of that, Roger closed the eighth game with a forehand down the line winner, wasting two set points on the return at 5-2 before wrapping up the opener with a hold at 30 for 6-3. Safin survived six deuces and two break chances at the beginning of the second set to avoid an early setback, earning a break in game two when Federer netted a backhand. The Russian forged a 3-0 advantage with a hold at love, looking good to force a decider in those moments. Marat closed the fifth game with an ace, remaining in front and creating two more break chances in game six.

Federer saved those to prolong the set and gain momentum, breaking back a few minutes later and bringing the eighth game home at 15 to level the score at 4-4. Roger grabbed four straight points at 0-30 in the 12th game, reaching a tie break that turned into an epic one! Marat saved a match point at 5-6 and six more, giving his best and receiving help from the chair umpire, who made some massive mistakes. Federer repelled six set points and moved 19-18 ahead following a double fault from Safin. Roger seized the eighth match point when Marat placed a forehand beyond the baseline, celebrating a tricky victory and hoping for more of the same against Lleyton Hewitt in the final.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2KLcigR