Just when it seemed like Roger Federer was on a Rogers Cup roll, his semifinal match against Fernando Gonzalez turned into more of a rollercoaster complete with stomach-churning twists and turns.
Federer won in three sets over his Chilean opponent (6-1, 5-7, 6-3), but it would be more appropriate to describe the game as an exercise in survival.
The Swiss champion polished off the first set in just a few minutes, showing the form that has been largely missing during his time in Toronto, but then was drawn to his third straight match that went to three sets. At a post-game press conference, he said that he did not consider the match to be the most dangerous that he has played.
“I mean, yes and no. The other guys are as dangerous. You know, I see a Tursunov being as dangerous as González,” he said. “No, I mean, you take them like they come. By his ranking being higher, you would think his confidence is higher, his experience might be a bit higher. Those components make him a more dangerous player maybe.”
While Gonzalez did manage to break his heavily favored opponent’s serve in the second set, Federer showed the mettle of a champion as he typically does, by refusing to lose his cool. He said that he never really had serious concerns about the victory.
“I think that nerves only come in when you’re facing breakpoints, 30- All points, Love- 30 points. That’s tough, like for everybody else,” he said. “This time around in the third set I couldn’t make the difference right away. Then obviously, you know, it’s not so easy to play so freely. Once I got the break, I played well again and broke him once again.”
Gonzalez did not seem bitter about another draw that has seen Roger Federer eliminate him.
“It’s disappointing, but it’s a great opportunity to beat him. For me was much better if I play another guy on semifinal and maybe find him at the end of the tournament,” he said.
“But what can I do? I can’t do anything. Just wait for a better luck.”
Gonzalez clearly found another gear after losing the first set. Instead of being deflated, his energy seemed to only intensify. After the match, he said that he was happy with her performance in the semifinal.
“I think that I play really good match. I mean, I did maybe one or two mistakes, normal mistakes, in one game in the final set,” Gonzalez said. “But is tough to go into the court and lose the first set in 20 minutes. I feel really bad after that. But after that I feel that I was dominating my games, you know, when I was serving. I was dominating and I was feeling better and better on court.”
Gonzalez did confirm that there was a specific turning point in the match, and this was when he only had to secure one point to go up 3-1 in the last set.
“I feel, I mean, the match was even at that time. But I have one breakpoint, and I lost my chance. At this level, you have a few opportunities, and that’s it.”
Federer moves on to face Richard Gasquet tomorrow in the Rogers Cup final. He said that he is not taking anything for granted.
“I knew he’s a good player. I expect a tough match.”
