Roger Federer was the first player to qualify for the semi-finals at the ATP finals in London. He defeated Alexander Zverev 7-6 (6), 5-7,6-1. Zverev needs a win over Jack Sock on Thursday.
By Florian Goosmann from London
For the half an hour of recording before the evening session both players appeared concentrated. Zverev struck a few balls with Juan Carlos Ferrero, who was still very fit, but he seemed to be more flawed than Federer, who got in with the second – and after Nadal’s withdrawal first – replacement Sam Querrey.
Nevertheless, it was Federer who started the match more nervously. The Swiss player gave Zverev with two mistakes and a too careful slice 0:40, but saved himself with a good serve. Zverev also fought off Federer’s first break chance in the game with an ace. Both players dominated with their serve and scored points from the baseline.
At 6:5 Federer came to two set points, but Zverev fought back, once with the support of the net. In the tie-break, Zverev quickly took the 4-0 lead, but Federer stayed on, with the net on his side this time; Zverev came to the set-ball at 6-5, but Federer scored the last three points with percentage tennis, inviting Zverev to three mistakes.
Zverev didn’t recover fast enough at the change of the set. 0:40 was his turn, Federer broke, but Zverev stayed on and got the 2:2 equalization. Federer struggled with a weak first serve ratio in second place overall and was often hesitant rather than straight to the point. At 5:6 from his point of view this was punished: Zverev managed to reach 0:40 and used his third set point. Federer’s record in second: Only 43 percent of first serves, 7 winners, 15 unforced mistakes.
In the decisive set, it was again Federer who had the better start. Thanks to Zverev’s sixth Unforced Errors, he broke in the still young 2-1 draw and then went on to win 4-1, despite Zverev’s 40-0 lead – the decision. Zverev ended the match with a double error. His number of unconstrained mistakes in the third set – at 14 too high, especially since Federer also brought him to 15 forced mistakes.
“I’m relieved and can play free in the last match. It’s a tough group to be through in two matches is good,”Federer said afterwards.
On Thursday in the last group singles, Federer will play Marin Cilic and Zverev against Jack Sock.
Further information will follow!