By Erik Gudris | Friday, August 15, 2014
Roger Federer once again found success up at net in defeating Andy Murray to reach the Cincinnati semifinals.
Photo Credit: AP
Despite facing an early charge from his opponent in the second set, Roger Federer moved through into the Western & Southern semifinals at Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Federer faced off against No. 8 seed Andy Murray in Friday's quarterfinal. The 22nd career meeting was significant considering it was eight years almost to the day that Murray beat Federer for the first time in his career at the same event.
Friday's meeting would prove all about Federer early.
In the opening game, Murray fended off break points on his serve. Murray faced break points on his serve again in the third game before firing down an ace to hold for 2-1.
Despite missing out on multiple break points earlier, Federer finally broke serve after Murray sent a inside out forehand just wide. That gave Federer the lead for 3-2.
Federer, still looking sharp, broke Murray yet again at love later in the set to take it 6-3.
The second set, however, proved to be all about Murray in the opening stages. With Murray now looking steadier in the rallies, the Scot broke Federer for 3-1. Murray increased his lead after surprising Federer with a great return setting up a break point. Federer netted a backhand on the next point giving Murray a 4-1 lead.
If Murray looked poised to force a final set, that would not come to pass.
After holding serve, Federer threatened Murray's serve in the next game. Federer broke and then after striking an incredible forehand, pulled to within 3-4. Murray, now feeling the pressure, double faulted down break point. That allowed Federer to get back on level terms for 4-all.
Despite both men holding serve for 5-all, Murray faltered in the late stages. Federer held serve for 6-5 and that put pressure back on Murray to hold serve for a tiebreak. Federer charged the net on several occaisions. A drop shot followed up by a volley winner created match point for Federer.
Murray netted a final forehand down match point. That sealed the 6-3, 7-5 victory for Federer.
"In the second set, I lost a little bit of the rhythm," Federer said to ATP.com. "From the baseline, he was hitting the ball well - harder and deeper...I snuck in a quick break, and next thing you know, I'm back. I feel like I stole that second set."
Federer will now play Milos Raonic in the semifinals.