Top seeded Novak Djokovic put an end to the Swiss maestro’s run Saturday night in Rome. Federer had come back from a six week layoff, winning the Madrid masters title and cruising into the semifinals of the Rome masters. The Serbian read the serve of the Swiss well and broke twice in the opening set alone to jump out to a one set lead. Things were much closer in the second set, with both players holding serve until midway in the set.
Djokovic then decisively broke, making it appear as if the match was surely now his. However, Federer struck back, fending off a match point with a scorching forehand winner and breaking serve to even the match at 5 all in the second set. From there, a love hold reversed the roles, as it was now Djokovic needing to serve to stay in the set. That he did, and ensuing was a tiebreak which began with a 25 shot rally, won by the Serb when Federer netted a forehand.
Mini break in hand, Djokovic hung on and edged out to defeat Federer 6-2 7-6 (4). He will now take on Rafael Nadal in the final of the Rome masters, with the #2 ranking and seeding for Roland Garros at stake. For the part of the Swiss maestro, if Djokovic wins Sunday, Federer keeps his #2 ranking and will be seeded #2 for the year’s second slam. If Nadal wins, he reclaims the #2 ranking and will be seeded as such at Roland Garros.
Highlights.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI1R54OeGlY
Next for Federer is Roland Garros, beginning May 27. Stay tuned for more Federer news, updates, photos, and video, all in one place, FedererFan07.com.
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