Federer Needs 3 Again In Shanghai, Faces Nishikori Next; Del Potro Retires, Djokovic v Anderson Friday

Roger Federer went the distance again, and like he did Wednesday, broke at 4-all in the third then closed out Roberto Bautista Agut 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 to reach the Shanghai quarterfinals.

“I’m actually quite happy,” said Federer. “I thought that Bautista really had to raise his level of play in that second set to stay with me. I mean, he really caught fire, I thought. I served, I think, 80% in that second set Anderson
The defending champion will now face Asian favorite Kei Nishikori who he leads 5-2.

“As we know with Kei’s game, once he finds his range and his rhythm, he’s very tough to play,” said Federer. “Not sure if fast courts suit him better or not, because I feel like he actually plays well on clay, grass, hard. He can do it all.

“I think it’s going to be a tough match tomorrow. I hope it’s going to help me that I played against Medvedev and also Bautista Agut, two really good baseliners, to be honest.”

Nishikori got past Sam Querrey 7-6(7), 6-4.

Three-time champion Novak Djokovic gained revenge on the last man to meet him in a Slam, Marco Cecchinato, beating the Italian 6-4, 6-0.

“I’m really pleased with the way I have been using my serve accurately and effectively in the first two matches, which is very important,” said Djokovic. “I was making him play always an extra shot. I was aggressive when I needed to be. The second set was perfect, really. I’m really glad to be able to finish the match the way I did.”

Djokovic, who has won his last 15 matches, faces Kevin Anderson in a rematch of the Wimbledon final. Anderson advanced over Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-5, 7-6(1).

Alexander Zverev overwhelmed Alex De Minaur 6-1, 6-4. He’ll now meet Kyle Edmund who beat Nicolas Jarry.

And Juan Martin del Potro had to retire against Borna Coric after dropping the first set 7-5.

“During the match I had a bad fall. I made a weird movement with the knee and hit the floor very hard. I felt intense pain,” Del Potro said. “After, I lost the stability and strength on my leg, so not to continue was the best decision. I didn’t want any more risks after that.

“The doctor observed me and told that we need to wait for the examinations results in a few hours. Then we will know how bad it was and how to proceed for the next tournaments.”

Coric moves on to face Matt Ebden.

FRIDAY SHANGHAI SCHEDULE
CENTER Starts At 1:00 Pm
11 Kyle Edmund v 4 Alexander Zverev
7 Kevin Anderson v 2 Novak Djokovic
Not Before 6:00 Pm
13 Borna Coric v Matthew Ebden
1 Roger Federer v 8 Kei Nishikori