Federer Seeks Sixth Basel Title; Murray Beats Ferrer, Closes In On London Berth
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Roger Federer will bid for a sixth Basel title Sunday in Switzerland against surprise finalist David Goffin. Federer advanced to his 11th final in his hometown after dismissing Ivo Karlovic in three sets 7-6(8), 3-6, 6-3.
“I’m relieved, always in a match like this against someone who can serve as big as Ivo,” said Federer who survived a 33 ace afternoon from Karlovic. “It was a good feeling get out of it as the winner. I thought it was impressive how big he served. I didn’t expect the break in the third set, so I was happy to get that and bring it home.
“I never thought I would be this successful at this tournament. I’m hoping to enjoy the final and that the crowd will be as good as it was today. It would mean the world to me to win in Basel. It’s going to be an exciting but a tough match.”
Federer also has the No. 1 ranking in his sights. A win tomorrow puts him in striking distance (490 points) of Novak Djokovic next week in Paris where 1,000 ranking points are up for grabs.
Goffin, who’s been red hot of late, also went three sets ousting rising 17-year-old Borna Coric 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to win his 11th straight match.
“I’m really happy today, but it was a tough match,” said Goffin who is playing in his first 500 final. “I’m really tired and it was tough to focus today. I made a lot of mistakes on easy balls, but I’m really happy to win today.”
In Valencia, Andy Murray virtually locked up a London bid beating rival David Ferrer 6-4, 7-5 to reach the final against another Spaniard, Tommy Robredo.
“After the US Open I was aware that I would need to win a lot of matches to try to reach the [Barclays ATP World] Tour Finals,” said Murray. “So it was important for me to try and get as many matches as I can against the top players between now and the end of the year.”
Murray will seek his third title this fall against Robredo who was a winner over Jeremy Chardy to earn his 500th career victory.
“It’s going to be a tough match,” Robredo said. “He’s in great form, but we’ll see who starts better and who holds their ground. I hope to play a good match.”
A win for Murray will move him into 5th position in the London Race, virtually assuring him a berth in his home event.
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