ThrowbackTimes Miami: Roger Federer sets Rafael Nadal clash after beating Agassi

Three years after their title clash, Roger Federer and Andre Agassi met in the Miami Open again in 2005, this time in the semi-final. A lot had changed between these two matches, and Roger was now the dominant figure in men's tennis, winning Doha, Rotterdam, Dubai and Indian Wells and seeking the fifth title of the season in Florida. In 2002, Andre prevailed in four sets to claim his fifth Miami crown, lifting another a year later and hoping to stop the clock and celebrate once again at one of his favorite tournaments two years later. The veteran reached the semi-final where Roger stood too strong, scoring a 6-4, 6-3 victory in an hour and 25 minutes to advance into the title encounter against the young gun Rafael Nadal. Federer fended off all five break chances, daring the opponent to deliver similar numbers to stay in touch.

Despite giving his best, Andre lost serve twice from eight opportunities offered to the Swiss, getting broken once in each set to finish his campaign in the semis. Roger had 30 winners and 20 unforced errors, controlling the pace and forging the most significant difference in the shortest points up to four strokes.

In 2005, Roger Federer beat Andre Agassi in straight sets to reach Miami final.

Agassi hoped for a more positive outcome in the most extended rallies, but that never happened, with Federer matching his pace from the baseline to seal the deal in straight sets. Roger held after deuce in the first game thanks to two winners and produced another fine hold in the third game before Andre leveled the score at 2-2 with a service winner.

They needed under 30 minutes to complete the opening nine games before Federer grabbed a break at 15 at 5-4 to secure the first set, converting the first and only break chance. With momentum on his side, Roger created break opportunities in the second set's second game, with Andre repelling them to end his downfall and level the score at 1-1. Both players served well in the next four games, and it was the American who earned five chances at 3-3, looking good to move in front for the first time. Staying focused, Roger erased those and closed the game with a forehand winner for a great escape, obtaining a massive boost and breaking Agassi a few minutes later to move 5-3 up. From 30-0 down in the next game, Federer fired three winners for a match point and forced Andre's error to wrap up the triumph and advance into his second Miami final. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/31Cjj8Z