Roger Federer advances to first U.S. Open final since 2009
Roger Federer advanced to his first U.S. Open final since 2009 with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 semifinal victory over Stan Wawrinka on Friday.
Federer has yet to lose a set at this year's event. The world No. 2 is searching for his first Grand Slam title since Wimbledon in 2012.
No. 1 Serena, No. 2 Halep shocked by Italian vets Vinci, Pennetta
6-0, 6-1, 6-2 earlier on Friday.
Djokovic's semifinal victory lasted an hour and 25 minutes, while Federer's was one hour and 32 minutes.
Federer continued to serve well on Friday, winning 80% of first serve points and holding serve throughout the match. Federer recorded 29 winners and just 17 unforced errors.
“I wasn't quite sure if I was going to play this aggressive against Stan, because [...] when he's on, he presents a very different challenge to all the players I have played thus far in this tournament,” Federer said. “But now that I have been able to do it also against Stan definitely gives me confidence that maybe I can also do it against Novak this way.”
Wawrinka beat his Swiss compatriot Federer earlier this year at Roland Garros on his way to a French Open title, but Federer has reinvigorated his game this summer. After falling in the Wimbleon final to Djokovic, Federer won the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, beating Djokovic in the final.
“[Federer is] reading well the game, and so he's trying to really stay on the line, not to go back. Stay really aggressive,” Wawrinka said. “He's serving really well, also. He's serving better than I [have ever seen] him serve.”
Federer's strong run of form has continued in New York, where he beat No. 13 John Isner and No. 12 Richard Gasquet on his way to the semifinals.
Federer last won the U.S. Open in 2008, which marked his fifth consecutive title in Flushing. The following year, Juan Martin del Potro upset Federer in a five-set final.
