Federer, Del Potro Advance to Basel Semifinals; Ferrer Dominates In Valencia
Roger Federer and Juan Martin Del Potro are just two sets each from a rematch of their 2009 US Open clash. The two top draws in Basel both won quarterfinals matches Friday to reach the semifinal stage.
Federer cruised past Frenchman Benoit Paire 6-2, 6-2. And the five-time Basel champion is feeling good after a 10th semifinal in his homeland event.
“I was very happy with the match, the way it went,” said Federer. “I was able to mix up my game, play aggressive and take it to Benoit. He struggled after that. He didn’t have his best day I think, but maybe I pushed him there, so I’m happy with the outcome.”
Next for Federer is a date with veteran Paul-Henri Mathieu who is continuing on his comeback bid.
“It’s nice seeing him playing so well,” Federer said. “He’s also had a couple tough matches here this week. He’s a good player. He’s got one of the best backhands in the world. He’s got a good fighting spirit and he’s my age, so we’ve known each other for a really long time. I’m looking forward to the match.”
In the other semifinal, Del Potro, after edging Kevin Anderson in three, clashes with the in-form Richard Gasquet. Del Potro qualified yesterday for London, for Gasquet, a big result this weekend in Basel would go a long way for the French in his own bid for the Finals.
“It’s my first semi-final in Basel so I will do my best to reach the final here. I will try to do my best,” said Gasquet. “I’m not too far away. I need to get to the finals here and play well in [Paris] Bercy.”
Top seed David Ferrer has thus far dominated in Valencia, Spain. Today, Ferrer pounded Nicolas Almagro 6-3, 7-5 to stay a perfect 12-0 against his countryman. In the semifinals he’ll meet qualifier Ivan Dodig who upset Marin Cilic. In the second semifinal it’s Alexandr Dolgopolov against Jurgen Melzer.
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