Federer overpowers Melzer to enter last 4
Paris, Nov. 13: Top-seeded Roger Federer reached the semifinals of the Paris Masters for the first time by defeating Jurgen Melzer of Austria 6-1, 7-6 (4) on Friday.
Federer, who earlier this week called the Parisian indoor tournament his “worst” Masters, had previously lost three times in the quarterfinals.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a relief, because a relief is something else, but I’m pleased to be in the semis,” Federer said.
“I knew it was going to be difficult because in the beginning I only had one hour of practice here. But now I feel good and I’m not too tired.”
Following victories in Stockholm and Basel, the Swiss star won a 12th consecutive match and delighted the crowd by sending winners all over the court during a 20-minute first set he opened with an ace.
Federer, who fired 18 aces and had 33 winners overall, will next face last year’s runner-up and local favorite Gael Monfils, who beat third-seeded Andy Murray 6-2, 2-6, 6-3.
Melzer showed a better face in the second set against Federer but wasted a mini break early in the tiebreaker and missed an easy forehand volley to give Federer a 5-4 lead. The 16-time Grand Slam winner set up match point with an ace and converted it with a service winner.
“I thought I played a wonderful first set, being aggressive on returns, serving really good. So it was the perfect set,” Federer said.
“Got a bit of a fright early on in the breaker, but he’s not famous for being the best server in the game so I knew I would always get a sniffm,” added the champion.
Pic Caption:
Roger Federer of Switzerland returns the ball to Jurgen Melzer of Austria during their quarterfinal match at the Paris Masters.
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