ATP Finals Flashback: Roger Federer loses thrilling encounter to Fernando Gonzalez

Roger Federer made the Masters Cup debut in 2002, losing in the semi-final to Lleyton Hewitt and winning the next two editions in Houston. Federer needed only six trips to the premium ATP event to become one of the most prominent players, lifting the fourth trophy in 2007. It was the fourth and last dominant season for the Swiss, winning three Major titles and two Masters 1000 crowns to keep Rafael Nadal and other rivals behind him, wrapping up the year with another Shanghai title. Unlike the previous five Masters Cup campaigns, Federer had to dig deep to pass the round-robin stage following a 3-6, 7-6, 7-5 loss to Fernando Gonzalez in two hours and nine minutes. It was the first victory for the Chilean over the Swiss in 11 encounters, losing his first and only Major final against Federer in Australia that year and seeking revenge. Roger won the opening set and had a chance to cross the finish line first, winning five points more than his opponent but losing ground in the closing stages of sets two and three to experience the ninth and last defeat of the season.

Federer lost only 24 points behind the initial shot, fending off three out of four break chances and keeping his serve intact until the last moments of the encounter. Fernando lost serve in the first service game and raised his level after that, defending five out of six break chances and emerging at the top with that lone late break. The Swiss closed the opening game with a beautiful volley winner and grabbed a break at 15 when Gonzalez placed a backhand beyond the baseline in game two. Finding his range, the Chilean could pass the aggressive Swiss at the net and defend his service games, not doing enough on the return, though, and allowing Roger to close the opener with a service winner at 5-3.

In 2007, Fernando Gonzalez prevailed against Roger Federer in Shanghai.

Fernando held at love in the second set's seventh game and survived a challenging game nine to remain on the positive side. Federer placed a backhand down the line winner in game ten to extend the set, only to fall 3-0 behind in the tie break following a perfect lob from the Chilean.

Gonzalez sealed the breaker and a set with a service winner at 6-1, prolonging the duel and gathering boost ahead of the decider. Federer wasted a massive opportunity to move in front in the final set's second game, wasting three break points as Gonzalez rattled off five straight points and brought the game home with a perfect forehand down the line winner. The Swiss had to work hard in his service game a few minutes later, saving two break chances with winners and firing another from his forehand to erase a break point at 2-2 and remain in contention. Throwing everything at each other, Fernando fended off a break chance in game eight with a bullet from his backhand, staying alive and sealing the tenth game with another backhand winner to level the score at 5-5. Facing an ultimate challenge in game 11, Federer got broken after a volley winner from Gonzalez, who held at 15 a few minutes later to move over the top and celebrate one of his finest victories on the Tour.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/37lhxvl