Federer saves two match points
Federer salutes his eventual victory
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It would seem that the Gods are playing alongside Roger Federer as he made his way into the semi-finals of the Miami Masters after surviving two match points against him
I definitely got very lucky at the end, but I think I showed great heart today
He defeated Tomas Berdych 6-2 3-6 7-6(6) in what turned out to quite a dramatic ending to an intriguing quarter-final confrontation.
Federer looked to be in complete control after dropping the second set, striding imperiously into a 5-3 lead in the decider.
Serving for the match, he lost his focus and to everyoneÈs surprise, not least his adoring fans who continually showed their support which must have distracted his opponent, Berdych clawed his way back into contention to draw level at 5-all having lost a match point at 5-4.
In the subsequent tie-breaker, Berdych led 6-4 but failed to convert his match point opportunities evemntually delivery his fourth double fault to hand the match to Federer.
In answer to a question regarding his frustration at the wasted opportunities, he responded: What should I do? Should I destroy the table? Then you see how much IÈm frustrated. I donÈt know. ItÈs obviously not something that you want, to finish the tournament like that.
So Federer continues on his merry way having secured his 17th win of the season, but he did admit he was rather fortunate. I definitely got very lucky at the end, but I think I showed great heart today, he said. I fought and Tomas definitely started to step it up, but it was a great match at the end.
Meanwhile playing in the late match slot, Nick Kyrgios emerged as FedererÈs next challenger having beaten Alexander Zvererv in what was billed as a view of the future, 6-4 6-7(9) 6-3. It certainly did that and there was plenty on display to guarantee the two youngsters could be establishing a rivalry over the coming years.
