37th heaven…

Roger Federer shows off his incredible shotmaking diversity during his 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 victory over Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut on Wednesday night in Shanghai. Whether it’s the menacing crosscourt forehand, the delicate off-angled dropper, or the booming down-the-line backhand, there’s no mistaking it—the Swiss has one of the most complete arsenals that the sport has ever seen.



He’ll put that repertoire to work against Kei Nishikori on Friday in Shanghai. Federer owns the 5-2 edge over Nishikori with their last meeting coming at the 2017 Australian Open, which Federer won in five sets.

Federer has won the last four meetings with the Japanese No.1, and his last seven matches at Shanghai.

“I enjoy playing Kei,” said Federer. … “It’s nice to see him back again, he’s been also injured quite a bit lately so it’s nice to see him back playing very well. He had a great run in Tokyo, now he’s also feeling it again so it’s going to be tough—I think he’s got one of the best backhands in the game and I’ve known him since a long time and I’m happy to be facing off with him again.”

Nishikori may be quite an inspiration to his Asian fans, but Federer, living legend that he is, is quite an inspiration himself.

Roger Federer: inspiring the next generation of great tennis players ❤️#RolexSHMasters @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/BfOSOw1BbS

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 11, 2018