Looking to add another win on the night session at the US Open, Roger Federer was on the court Wednesday night against the man from France, Richard Gasquet. Fresh off a tight three set match against John Isner, Federer was looking to win his ninth straight hard court match against Gasquet. As for the Frenchman, he was looking to get his first win against Federer on a hard court. It was another fine display from the maestro as he booked his semifinal spot against Stan Wawrinka.

Federer serves through the first set

In the first four games of the first set, both players had held their serve rather easily. Each player was winning 80 percent or more of their first serve points. The Swiss was cooking early with his serve, 7 aces just through his first three service games. After an easy hold by Fed, Gasquet’s next service game would be disaster. Handing three break point opportunities, Federer would capitalize on the final one and get the break, shortly after he would secure the break by winning his next service game.

Despite having three chances to take the set, the world number two would fail to secure any. Gasquet would remain alive in the first set, but not for too long because Federer would win his next service game and took the first set in 30 minutes. There were 17 winners in the first set for the Swiss maestro and eight aces.

Winners after winners for Federer

Both players would start off the second set with a love hold on their first service game. That wouldn’t last too long for the world number 12, who would be broken in his next game. It would be another easy hold for Federer to solidify the break with quick points being played throughout the match. After both player had held, Federer’s next service game would be the closest Gasquet would get in the whole match. Unfortunately he saw, no break point chances.

A Gasquet hold, would put the second set at 4-3 with the world number 12 still in striking range. It would not happen for Gasquet though as double faulted at 30-40 and handed Federer the second set. Federer hit 35 winners compared to two for Gasquet in the opening two sets.

Federer closes it out

Courtside commentator Darren Cahill brought up the fact that Gasquet only has five winners, saying “I have never seen that before.” This writer agrees with you Mr. Cahill. At this moment, the match was nearly out of reach for Gasquet. Federer broke him early in the third set, putting himself up 3-0. In the next game, Gasquet would finally find himself on the board at 3-1.

The spirit was completely taken away from Gasquet for the rest of the match, Federer would go on and win the next three games. 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 In straight sets for Roger Federer, 16 aces and 50 winners compared to Gasquet’s  eight winners. Dominance is the word, 15 set wins in a row against Gasquet and 25 sets win in a row since Cincinnati for Federer.

There’s no question Federer is playing at the highest level in recent years, match after match he is looking better and better at the open. With a new weapon/tactic called the “SABR” under his arsenal, it makes him even more dangerous. The 17-time Grand Slam champion will face a fellow countryman, Stan Wawrinka next, who beat Roger at the French Open this year. Despite the last meeting, Federer is 11-0 against Wawrinka in hard court matches. One thing is for sure, it’s going to be a battle between the Swiss.

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