By Erik Gudris | Thursday, March 13, 2014

 

Roger Federer put on a clinic in the second set versus Kevin Anderson to reach the Indian Wells semifinals. Waiting for him there is the surprise of the event in Alexandr Dolgopolov.

Photo Credit: AP

Roger Federer continues to enthrall fans at the BNP Paribas Open as he finds himself only two wins away from the coveted title for a fifth time in his career.

Federer took on the recently in-form Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their evening quarterfinal at Indian Wells. While the tall, lanky Anderson is known for his big serve, his success this season in reaching two finals proved there is more to his game than just his first delivery.

Anderson fought off early break points in the opening set and with clean hitting appeared ready to challenge Federer. Anderson would stay level with Federer for most of the set.

But a late surge saw Federer reel off 10 straight points to take it 7-5.

Federer would then summon his best tennis in the second set. An impeccable lob over Anderson would set up break point. Federer converted to open up a 2-0 lead and from there the four-time champion would assume control of the match.

An overcooked forehand from Anderson would allow Federer to break him again at love for 4-0, which would prove an insurmountable lead.

Federer dropped only 10 points the entire second set as he would cruise to 7-5, 6-1 victory. Indian Wells is now the fourth semifinal this season for Federer who is in search of his second title this year.

Dolgopolov Shines Against Raonic in Quarters

Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov continued his spectacular run in Indian Wells with a straight sets win over No. 10 seed Milos Raonic of Canada.

Dolgopolov used aggressive returning to counter Raonic's big serve. Not facing a break point himself in the opening set, Dolgopolov would claim it 6-3.

Though Dolgopolov fell behind 0-3 in the second set, he would stage a rally by converting on his seventh break point in the fifth game. From there, Dolgopolov soon closed out the 6-3, 6-4 win.

Dolgopolov, who has now defeated three seeded players, including world No. 1 Rafael Nadal, now finds himself in his first ever ATP 1000 semifinal where he will next face Federer.