Federer, Del Potro Advance to Basel Semifinals; Ferrer Dominates In Valencia

by Staff | October 26th, 2012, 11:08 pm
  • 14 Comments

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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14 Comments for Federer, Del Potro Advance to Basel Semifinals; Ferrer Dominates In Valencia

lasslo Says:

Paris draw, mmmmm.


Rafael Says:

Fed used to always keep drawing djokovic, when it was top 3 and murray was just another player.

now murray is playing the best tennis of his life and federer keeps getting him.

to be honest, djokovic got him 2 times in a row [olympics and cincinnati] and fed 3 times in a row after that [usopen, shanghai and now paris]. so, nothing unfair really!


Dave Says:

Benoit Paire, the hottest male tennis player on Twitter
http://www.blick.ch/sport/tennis/roger-spielt-gegen-sexiest-tennis-star-id2081414.html

Federer did not just cruise past Benoit Paire, Roger ‘crushed’ him or ‘pummeled’ him. As I said, the first two matches against Bellucci and Becker were just warm up practice matches for Federer. This weekend’s matches against Paire, Mathieu and possibly Delpo/Gasquet are more indicative of where Federer will be at at Paris and WTF.

Juan Martin del Porto told the media that he liked walking in Basel because no one recognizes him. Except only one person ‘disturbed” him: this one driver recognized Delpo walking and stopped to say hello and to enjoy Basel. Delpo added: “It’s incredible, you just meet one person, and this person is Federer.”


Colin Says:

Lasslo. that sounds like Homer Simpson spotting some chocolate in a shop window!

On a different subject, here’s a surprising fact about Andy Murray:
When the Scots have the referendum in 2014 to decide if they want to become independent, Andy won’t have a vote, because it’s open only to those actually resident in Scotland!


Kimmi Says:

great match! mathieu was challenging. one break each set was enough. serving great too.

congrats fed for another final in basel..7 in a row now :)


El Flaco Says:

Federer needed some luck in the draws to get the year end number #1 and it didn’t work out. He has drawn Murray in his half every tournament.

Fed would likely have to beat Berdych, Murray and Djokovic to win Paris which is well, not likely. He’d be fortunate to get past Berdych.


steve-o Says:

Yay Roger! Mathieu did not make it easy for him.

Del Potro is playing really well, so it will be a good final.

Whatever the outcome, the match is extremely unlikely to go on as long as it did at the Olympics since we have a final-set tiebreak, so Federer will be in good shape for Paris at least.


jane Says:

Should be a great final between Delpo and Fed.


Brando Says:

Fed v Delpo- just the final I was hoping for.

As fed said post match it shall be close, the margins are extremely small.

I back FED: indoor court, home crowd, he has won against delpo more often than losing to him etc.

But delpo is a player in form, and is playing some really good tennis. He also was close to beating fed in FO and Olympics SF- maybe he is due to beat fed, and he might do so tomorrow…..


skeezer Says:

7 in a row baby! Hope it’s a great match, Delpo is always a class act


Giles Says:

According to Mark Petchey. Fed hasn’t decided yet whether he will play in Paris or not. He said he will look at the draw on Sunday and then decide!! Hmmm


Sidney Says:

@El Flaco Says:
“He’d be fortunate to get past Berdych.”

Really? I dunno. If Fed’s serve is off, yeah maybe it’ll be close. But if Fed’s serve is on, watch out.
Plus, Fed has home-court advantage, which could pose a problem for Berdych in a tight contest.


Sidney Says:

The final will be a test for both Roger and Juan, but more so for Juan. Juan is always dangerous and possesses top-5 caliber talent. But Roger’s indoor play has been tops on the tour. If Fed’s serve is on, I don’t think it will be competitive. But hoping for the best tennis from both men!


skeezer Says:

Mark Petchey?

I would listen to Roger Federer himself, not listen to some guy out of his camp so you can take pot shots at Fed.

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