Roger Federer has reached the final of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati. The Swiss player benefited from David Goffin’s 7:6 (3) and 1:1 (30:40) win on his way to a possible eighth title at the Western and Southern Open. The seven-time title winner now meets Novak Djokovic in the all-time classic.
On paper, the game seemed to have been decided before the serve. David Goffin countered this mistake with an excellent opening phase in the semi-final against Roger Federer.
Both players acted safely with their own service and there was little to get for the respective setbacks. The game was balanced and not stingy with points worth seeing. Federer had been serving well throughout the tournament and seemed to be in full possession of his powers against Goffin as well.
But the Belgian, ten years younger, also looked fresh and won 100% of his first serves by the middle of the first set. At 5:6, Federer seemed to have found his strong forehand at just the right time and earned three break points. Goffin fought it off with flying colours and saved himself in the tiebreak.
In the short decision, Goffin had nothing left to counter the aggressive advances of the seven-time title winner, and the “Maestro” rewarded his courageous style of play with the leading sets.
During the break Goffin was treated on the right shoulder and did not seem too optimistic. At 1:1 and 40:30 on the serve of the Belgian it was a sad certainty for all Goffin fans.
After an unsuccessful first serve, the 27-year-old stepped onto the net and gave up. In the final Federer will face Novak Djokovic, who defeated Marin Cilic in three sets.
Federer and Djokovic will compete in the final in Cincinnati for the fourth time. All three previous finals were won by Federer, who secured the title against the Serb in 2009, 2012 and 2015.
In addition, Federer can compensate with a win in a direct comparison. Before the upcoming final, Djokovic leads 23-22.