ATP: Cincinnati semi-final: Will David Goffin make the next coup against Roger Federer?

Roger Federer and David Goffin will meet in the semifinals of the Western and Southern Open and fight for a place in the ATP Masters 1000 event in Ohio. This duel brings back memories of a very special moment for the easy outsider from Belgium.

6-1: This is the result of the clash between former champion Roger Federer and David Goffin – in favour of Federer.

In seven duels against the Swiss, Goffin often had to realize that his ten-year-old rival usually played in other spheres. Except for one. This time in London, when “David” defeated the seemingly overpowering Goliath and denied the Swiss player his place in the Nitto ATP finals.

Enough of the biblical sagas. Goffin celebrated one of the most important victories of his career so far and shocked the tennis world in the last duel between the world number two and the current number eleven.

Federer was the favourite in the semi-finals and did not live up to expectations. In other words, Goffin played the best tennis of his career and was the deserved winner. The 2:6, 6:3 and 6:4 against the “Maestro” will certainly revel in the Belgian’s head when he enters the stage in Cincinnati on semi-final Saturday.

Again it is the duel for the final and the omens for another coup of the talented Belgian are better than ever. Federer plays outstanding tennis, survived a dramatic fight against his compatriot Stan Wawrinka and seems to be in full possession of his powers. But Goffin also plays it big.

In Cincinnati he finished the journey of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Kevin Anderson and Juan Martín del Potro. With Anderson and del Potro, Goffin beat two better-placed players. Not least because of his fitness and an outstanding backhand. Success is mainly due to physical factors. Finally, the tennis fan would like to say, Goffin is fit and does not have to deal with injuries – the 27-year-old had enough of these.

It will be the ultimate test against Federer for Goffin. The seven-time tournament winner played his way back into shape after a long break and convinced of Match von Match. Especially the “Midnight Duel” against Wawrinka made it clear that Federer is the number one title contender in Ohio.

Nothing of the 37 years on Federer’s hump can be seen. On the contrary. The Swiss looks fresh, well trained and still has the bite of a young Rogers. Discussions with the referee about unfortunate decisions once again prove that the tennis fire in Federer is still burning. It’s not blazing. It burns.

Nevertheless, Goffin seems to have a real chance this time. The backhand longline is oiled and the legs of the Belgian are fast. It will be a tightrope walk for both players. Federer does not admit any weaknesses of the opponent, but also Goffin developed a killer instinct.

Federer’s chances are better – but not significantly higher than Goffin’s. It will be an exciting duel. It will be fast and the fans in the Cincinnati bowl, which is certainly full to the brim, can look forward to a top-class match. With a beaming David Goffin as the winner? Well possible.