Shanghai Flashback: Roger Federer downs David Goffin to match Rafael Nadal

Former Shanghai champion Roger Federer advanced to his 87th Masters 1000 quarter-final a year ago, battling past David Goffin 7-6, 6-4 for the tenth time in 11 encounters. Both players had more errors than winners, and it was Federer who played on a higher level when he needed that the most. The Swiss saved two out of three break chances and earned two breaks that pushed him over the top, towards the 381st Masters 1000 victory, matching the record of Rafael Nadal. The Swiss had a slight edge in the shortest and most extended rallies, although we have to say that Goffin gave his best to topple a great rival, wasting numerous opportunities in the opener and losing ground a bit in set number two to finish his journey in the third round. The opening set lasted for 70 minutes, and it was a real roller coaster ride, with Federer fending off five set points to prevail and gain a massive boost ahead of the second set.

Both players won 53 points and grabbed one break from two opportunities, with Federer surviving the challenging third game with six deuces and one break point to stay in front and avoid an early setback. Returning at 5-4, Roger hit an incredible forehand down the line winner for a set point, denied by a forehand drive-volley winner from Goffin, who leveled the score at 5-5. The Belgian gained momentum and grabbed a break in the next game with a forehand winner that moved him closer to the finish line.

In Shanghai last year, Roger Federer defeated David Goffin to reach the last eight.

David was the better player so far, but it wasn't enough to earn the set for him, squandering three set points on serve in game 12 and allowing Federer to break back after a loose forehand, setting up a tie break. There, David led 5-2 and wasted chances at 6-5 and 7-6, blowing away five set points in total and losing the breaker 9-7 following a forehand winner from Roger, who was mighty relieved with this outcome.

The Swiss had the upper hand now and needed no second invitation in set number two. He dropped only six points on serve and secured a break in game seven when Goffin netted a forehand, forging the advantage and moving over the top with a hold at 15 in game ten to remain on the title course. Federer lost eight points on serve against Albert Ramos-Vinolas in a 6-2, 7-6 triumph in the previous round. The Swiss had the upper hand in the opener, serving and returning well to bring it home in no time. Ramos-Vinolas raised his level in set number two, reaching a tie break but losing it 7-5 to propel Federer through.

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