Whenever two members of the ‘big four’ face each other, it’s always an exciting occasion. This time it was to be the oldest and newest members of the group: Roger Federer and Andy Murray, as they met for the 22nd time. Murray was ahead 11-10 in the H2H, and had defeated Federer for the first time here at the Cincinnati Masters back in 2006. Federer got to this quarter-final match by defeating both Vasek Pospisil and Gael Monfils in three sets. Murray had defeated Joao Sousa and John Isner, the latter in a tough three-setter, to set up this clash with Federer. Both Murray and Federer were previous champions in Cincinnati, with the Swiss man winning five times and the Brit twice. Murray entered Centre Court first to what appeared to be a generous cheer from the crowd, but the immense popularity of Federer was realised when the world no. 3 emerged from the race, causing the fans to erupt – an army of adorers that follow him wherever he goes around the world.
Murray served first and found himself under immediate pressure. Federer got on the offensive and came to the net – a commonplace practice for him under Stefan Edberg – and with the aid of a Murray double fault, two break points presented themselves to the world no. 3. The first was saved by Murray with an ace, and the second with a Federer forehand struck long. Two points later and the Brit was on the board. Federer cruised through his opening service game, highlighted by a delightful passing shot, making Murray’s first venture to the net an unsuccessful one. Federer had more break point chances in the next game, holding *15-40 as well as two opportunities at advantage, but Murray played consistently, letting his opponent make the errors, and securing the hold with an ace. After taking nine minutes to hold his second service game, it was two minutes before he found himself serving again, with Federer breezing through another game.
For a third straight game, Murray was staring down the barrel of break point, and it was “lucky number 7” for Federer, as a Murray forehand played wide gave the 2nd seed the opening break of the match. A missed volley with an open court gave Murray an opportunity to get the break straight back, but Federer snuffed it out with a big serve followed by a forehand winner. Two more strong serves and Federer held for 4-2. A brilliantly constructed point from Murray brought up his second break point for the match, but like the last game, Federer was able to come up with the goods. Murray was forced to serve to stay in the set, but couldn’t deliver, with Federer breaking to 15 and taking the opening set 6-3.
Federer came out of the blocks a bit flat, getting broken in the third game of the second set due to some poor errors. Murray pounced on the opportunity, going ahead 3-1 and garnering another break point. A backhand put into the net was enough for the Brit to get a second break and drastically increase the likelihood of Federer going the distance for a third straight match here at Cincinnati. A sublime slice backhand from Federer completely fooled Murray, who was perched close to the net, and set up two break points. The Swiss man converted on the second attempt, recovering one of the breaks. He then held his next service game, building pressure on his younger opponent. Murray cracked, committing several errors, including a double fault when *15-40 down, to even things up at 4-4, putting Federer back in control of the match.
The ninth game was a tricky one for Federer, but he was clutch, edging ahead 5-4 as he won his fourth consecutive game. Murray, despite all the disappointment of giving up a double break lead, held firm and held serve for 5-5. Federer held to 30 to go ahead 6-5, and then played some fine tennis to get to deuce on Murray’s serve. The 17-time Slam champion took control of the rally, finishing it off with a strong volley, giving him match point. Murray netted a forehand – yet another costly error for the 8th seed – and Federer was through to another semi-final here in Cincinnati, in one hour and 34 minutes, by the score of 6-3 7-5.
Image source: US Open Series Twitter
Murray will be disappointed that he didn’t get to a deciding set, yet he is getting match practice against one of the world’s best players, which will be good for his confidence heading into the U.S Open. Federer will be feeling very good about his play, particularly at the net, and now faces Milos Raonic for a spot in the final, which will be another great tune-up match against arguably the best server in the world.