No. 2 seeds Rojer and Tecau are already in. Nadal accepts, though, that the prospect of taking on the world No. 1 represents a different challenge entirely. Federer pounced on set point, forcing an error. I didn’t quite get over the top of the ball unfortunately. But the Spanish sensation, at 5.50, will take a few comfort from the fact that he has won 15 of his last 19 matches since a disappointing US Open campaign.
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It was a similar story in the decider with Ferrer clinging on and he staved off five break points in an opening game lasting 14 minutes. Federer was more than accommodating to the only lucky fan and brought her to one of his press conferences.
Djokovic trails his career head-to-head series with Nadal by the slightest of margins, 23-22, but has won all three of their meetings in 2015 – and all seven sets. Distinct and delightful. Fittingly the artful, ageless Swiss and the skilled and spirited Japanese played out tennis’ version of the attractive game.
“It’s still a good season”, he said. Nishikori did just that thanks to a couple of unbelievable winners and a miscued dropped shot from Federer.
Federer even broke Nishikori early, in the 3rd game, just like he did in the 2nd game, before conceding his own serve in the 7th game. The Swiss maestro eased through the next game to 30 to be in full control at 4-1 in the set. A love game from Federer left him a game from the match and it was all up to his opponent in the next game to try and extend the match. Federer finished emphatically, jumping up to hammer home a forehand smash.
Rafa Nadal will be pose a significant grand slam threat again next year after showing signs of returning to his best, according to two of the Spaniard’s greatest rivals.
Defending champion Djokovic will be through if he wins in two or three sets and he would still qualify if he loses in three sets, with only a straight sets win for Berdych enough to send the Czech in the last four.
In the seventh game, a wrong sideline call cost Berdych his serve, giving Djokovic the crucial break for a 5-3 lead.
So Djokovic found himself in the most unexpected place. Very good confirmation this week. A simple hold for Djokovic consolidated the break for the world number one.
“On the other hand, I played an incredible first match”.
Djokovic will be colliding with Rafael Nadal on Saturday, while Federer will be facing Stan Wawrinka or Andy Murray in the semis.
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Whether he plays his last match of the season today or in tomorrow’s final, Nadal said he would be back in the gym next week, after which he will take part in a charity event for his foundation next weekend and then head to the Far East to practise and play in the worldwide Premier Tennis League.
