Basel Flashback: Roger Federer destroys Radu Albot to sail into quarters

World no. 3 and the nine-time Basel champion Roger Federer advanced to the last eight in the hometown after a dominant 6-0, 6-3 victory over Radu Albot in 62 minutes a year ago. The Moldovan played well against Roger in Miami in March, winning the opening set and keeping the 20-time Major champion on the court for over two hours before falling 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. Albot stood no chance in the Basel clash, winning only ten points on the return and wasting two break chances while he was already 3-0 down in the opener. On the other hand, Federer had the upper hand from start to finish, moving around the court like the 25-year-old and producing some stunning shots to give the crowd something to cheer about. The opening set lasted for just over 20 minutes and Roger was the only player on the court, facing two break points and taking all six games for a bagel. Albot wasted two game points in the first game and lost serve after a backhand error before Federer closed his opening service game with a forced mistake for a 2-0 lead.

The home favorite opened a 3-0 advantage with a forehand winner, wrapping up his second break and standing strong after only 11 minutes. The Swiss had to repel those two break chances in the next game, firing winners to keep the initial shot intact and bringing the game home with a service winner.

In Basel 2019, Federer lost only three games against Radu Albot.

Roger broke at love in game five with a deep return that Radu failed to control, securing the opener with a service winner a few minutes later for Basel's first bagel since 2006! Roger converted the fourth break chance at the beginning of the second set after forcing an error from his opponent, picking up an incredible half-volley in game two to cement the advantage.

Albot held in game three with a perfect down the line winner, celebrating his first game of the match after 39 minutes. Producing another comfortable hold, Roger closed the fourth game with a service winner, wasting a break chance in the next one and allowing Radu to stay within one break deficit. A service winner sent the Swiss 4-2 in front before the Moldovan played another solid service game to remain in touch. Producing fury from his initial shot, Federer held in game eight when Albot netted a forehand, moving over the top with a powerful backhand crosscourt attack on the return in game nine. It was the 22nd consecutive win for Roger in his hometown, advancing into the 13th successive quarter-final and setting the clash with the fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka.

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