Italian Open: Federer beats Wawrinka to seal Djokovic final | Inquirer Sports

Italian Open: Federer beats Wawrinka to seal Djokovic final

/ 09:37 AM May 17, 2015

Roger Federer

Roger Federer, of Switzerland, returns the ball to his compatriot Stan Wawrinka during a semifinal match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Saturday, May 16, 2015. Federer beat Wawrinka 6-4, 6-2. AP

ROME — Swiss Roger Federer beat countryman Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 6-2 in the Italian Open semi-final to set up his third final of the year against Serbian rival Novak Djokovic.

Wawrinka had caused the first major upset of the week when he battled Rafael Nadal throughout a thrilling quarter-final on Friday to send the seven-time Rome champion crashing out.

Article continues after this advertisement

But despite a blistering start which saw Wawrinka race to a 3-0 lead in the opening set, the 30-year-old from Lausanne appeared to pay for his efforts late into the night at the Foro Italico.

FEATURED STORIES

Federer bounced back from losing the early break to break back twice on his way to sealing the first set 6-4.

Wawrinka was even more out of sorts in the second set, unforced errors steadily creeping into his game as Federer eased into his stride and reached a stage where he was able to pick his shots comfortably.

Article continues after this advertisement

Federer, bidding for his maiden title in Rome having lost three finals — two to Nadal — earned three break points in the third game of the second set and won the game when Wawrinka attempted a wild half-volley from a tight angle which he netted.

Article continues after this advertisement

Federer moved 3-1 up on his next service game and broke his fellow Swiss again for a 4-1 lead before wrapping up the set.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I was happy with how I played, I was able to impose my game. Basically rock solid from the moment I got my game down,” said Federer.

So far this year it’s one apiece between Djokovic and Federer, the former winning their last final at Indian Wells to make amends for Federer’s win in Dubai.

Article continues after this advertisement

Career-wise, Federer holds the advantage with 20 wins to Djokovic’s 18, although the Serb has shown glimpses of brilliance this week and a variety of shots that put all of his rivals in trouble.

Having lost twice in Rome to Djokovic in the semi-finals, Federer admitted he will have to be at his best on what will be their first clay final of the year.

“I’ve done fairly well against him in the past,” added Federer.

“It’s up to me to put in a really good performance.”

Earlier, the Serbian swept clay court specialist David Ferrer aside in straight sets, breaking the Spaniard once in each set to secure his chance for a fourth crown in Rome.

Djokovic said he felt encouraged by a performance in which he held serve against “one of the best returners in the game” but admitted he had to dig his way out of trouble on occasion.

“I did face a couple of break points, especially in the second set, when maybe I was a bit fortunate to dig my way through and up, and play well enough to break him in both sets when it was most needed,” said Djokovic.

“Compared to previous matches that I played here this week, this is definitely the best match so far and the performance is satisfying and giving me enough reason to believe I can play at this level and maybe even better tomorrow.”

The women’s final will be contested by Russian third seed Maria Sharapova and Carla Suarez, the 10th seed from Spain.

Suarez is in contention for only her second career title after squeezing past Simona Halep of Romania 2-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Sharapova, the favourite following the third round withdrawal of defending champion Serena Williams, overwhelmed compatriot Daria Gavrilova 7-5, 6-3 to book her second final since claiming a second successive title in 2012.

But the Russian warned: “I think she (Suarez) loves the surface, she grew up on the clay. I beat her the last couple of times but I have had losses against her so I know what a difficult player she can be.

“She seems like she’s playing with a lot of confidence, she’s very dangerous and has one of the best one hand backhands on the women’s tour.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“It will be a tough final.”

TAGS: Italian Open, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Sports Tennis, Stanislas Wawrinka

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.