The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsRoger Federer produced another near-flawless display as the Swiss maestro eased past his countryman Stan Wawrinka in straight sets. Federer will play Novak Djokovic in the final, as the world number one convincingly defeated defending champion, Marin Cilic.
Roger Federer had not dropped a set en route to the semi-finals but many would have predicted that Stan Wawrinka would pose a difficult test for the world number two. In the opening set, it proved to be true in the early exchanges as Wawrinka’s deep groundstrokes pressurised Federer, who was forced to save a break point before holding his first service game. However, the world number two quickly punished his opponent for his inability to capitalise, as Federer broke serve in the next game when Wawrinka produced a few unforced errors. Even though the Wawrinka created three break points on Federer’s serve in the sixth game to recover the deficit, the Swiss maestro saved them all spectacularly with some accurate serving and a neat volley to eventually maintain the lead. Wawrinka continued to hold his serve but one break was enough for Federer, as he clinched the first set.
The second set saw the world number two maintain his efficiency on serve as Wawrinka was simply unable to gain a foothold into Federer’s service games. Wawrinka showed incredible resistance down three break points to hold his serve for 3-2 but Federer capitalised on more unforced errors to gain the break for a 4-3 lead. The Swiss maestro was clinical as he comfortably consolidated his lead with some immaculate serving and superb attacking play. Wawrinka was still unable to find his range, as another error strewn game sealed the double break and the set to Federer.
In the third set, it was a similar pattern as once again Wawrinka was donating unforced errors, with the French Open champion appearing to be forcing the issue too much. Federer was ruthless, and he seized the early break following an erratic display from Wawrinka, as the Swiss maestro took control of the match. The world number one was imperious on serve as he continued to race through his own service games, increasing the relentless pressure on his opponent. Even though Wawrinka at times pinned Federer back behind the baseline with his offensive power, the Swiss maestro’s defensive capabilities eventually extracted the errors and he took advantage of Wawrinka’s inconsistency to establish another break. The world number two successfully closed it out, as a clean ace completed a comprehensive 6-4 6-3 6-1 win.
Federer will face Novak Djokovic in the final, after the world number one dismantled Marin Cilic 6-0 6-1 6-2. The Croat, who was attempting to defend his title, was carrying an ankle injury and the Serbian ruthlessly exploited his opponent’s hampered movement to clinch a resounding victory.
