American tennis with the name of all possible seven times was a step away from victory over Roger Federerom. But still lost to the Maestro in five sets.
Yes, the performance of the third racket of the world in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open has added gray hairs to his fans! But Roger showed character playing with his troubled injury. In the semifinal, which according to him is not deserved. And paid tribute to his opponent.
THIRD HUNDREDTH
Tennis Sandgren, actually, not so little-known. Two years ago, has been in the top 8 in Melbourne, then defeating Stan Wawrinka and Dominic Thiem, and second only to Korean Hyun Cono. But all this local success. This time in Australia, he came only as a 100-th racket of the world. The Swiss was surprised that his opponent is such a low position. And, of course, could not resist the jokes about the name Sandgren.
Well, with a name like that he definitely would not play baseball – smiling Roger the day before. – I look forward to our meeting. All my life I played tennis, but never played against Tennis. And, I think, is a serious struggle. He is clearly in great shape, but his ranking does not reflect his current level. So I won’t have it easy.
As the water looked!
No, in the first set, no big problems. Federer acts actively and from the beginning accepted storm’s serve. In the sixth game, he still makes a break, and this is enough for the victory – 3:6.
In the beginning of the match I felt fine, I’ll tell you later Roger. – The Tennis had problems with flow, this allowed me drive. But then everything changed.
Not just changed. Dramatically! Error Swiss are falling one by one. He just didn’t look like himself – breaks even favorite backhand. The feeding is not going well. As reception. Sandgren and immediately uses it. Takes the initiative. Provokes Roger to a risky combination. And forcing him to lubricate smash on break point. The situation turned out, now Tennis is dominated all over the court. Takes the second set 6:2. And the third with the same score…
And Federer all falling apart. Not just a game. But and nerves. And even health. With the score 0:3 in the third set, the Swiss takes the health of taum-out (“I don’t know if you can call it trauma. But I had pain and problems with which to deal” – he will tell later). In another situation suddenly breaks down on the abusive shouting and even enters into a short argument with the referee, which makes him a warning. You often see this with an intelligent, always right Roger? That’s it – a unique event! And it only says more about how complex he is. How uncomfortable feeling on the court. And how worried to match with Tennis.
SEVEN MATCH POINTS TENNIS
In the career of Federer – about 1500 games. And none of them he wasn’t due to injury!However, during this quarter it might seem that the 38-year-old Roger is still removable. Of course, this is not happening. Not in his nature.
– I believe in miracles – said Federer. – It might rain, something. I was afraid that might exacerbate the injury, so I decided: let them lock me up nicely. He did not do. I’m incredibly lucky.
After a medical time-out 28-year-old American continued to stick to their line, to perform a beautiful flow and increase the score. No matter how trying the Federer, as neither plays five setblob with the score 5:2 in the third game, but still inferior. And in the fourth set may not change the situation. Is that no longer allows Sandgren to make a break. And everything comes to a fiery end.
Oh, how many nerves it cost to fans! And how much – the players themselves…
Three match points in a row, one after the other, makes Tennis, leading 5:4. All on the serve of Federer. And all of them Roger saves. Not so much due to your own attacks – on the contrary, Swiss operates with the reassurance of playing through the centre (though close to the back of the line). Wrong Sandgren, barely trying to up the pace and break through. The result – a tie-break. Where when you change sides on the side of Federer stands even ballgirl – running past the American, accidentally hurt his leg with his knee. And Tennis long winces in pain…
– Yes, it was unpleasant, but it did not prevent me. No impact on the game. The girl apologized, it’s OK – I’ll tell you later Sandgren.
Really – after that, he takes three points in a row. And gets three more match points! One of them is self-serving.
But Roger once again regains all. As the seventh, with the score 7:6. And after he wins the game. And puts the ball in the fifth set.
To recover from such a development Tennis is simply not could. Federer in the semi-finals!
– Roger in the fifth set added, and this was to be expected. It is impossible to give a good player, and the more possibly the best in history, so many chances! Because he will find his game. And so it happened, – admitted Sandgren. Of course, I’m disappointed. Very disappointed. But it is still possible to live.
– Again I got lucky with a break in the fifth set, and then I am well served. I don’t deserve this victory, but I won and very, very happy summed up Federer.
Now waiting for his match against Novak.
