Roger Federer won a tight match on serve prevailing over German Phillip Kohlschreiber in three sets with 6-4 4-6 6-4 after getting a decisive break in the ninth game of the third set for 5-4. The match featured a single break of serve in each set. Fedeer converted only two of the three break point chances he had.
Kohlschreiber held his service game at deuce at the start of the opening set for 1-0. Federer won the second set on his serve at deuce. Kohlschreiber held his service game with two aces for 2-1.
After holding his service game in the fourth game easily, Federer earned three break points at 2-2 0-40 and broke serve to love to take the 3-2 lead. The Swiss Maestro consolidated his break by holding his service game for 4-2.
The first set went on serve en route to 5-4 for Federer who closed out with an ace after 31 minutes. In the first set Federer hit 12 winners to five unforced errors.
The second set went on serve At 0-1 40-40 Federer produced a spectacular backhand volley. Kohlschreiber hit his forehand out. Kohlschreiber held his serve to love in the third game and played a solid fourth game with his return before Federer won his service game for 2-2.
Federer hit a backhand volley to win his service game for 3-all. Kohlschreiber hit his 8th ace to hold his serve. In the eighth game Federer won his service game to love fo 4-all.
As Federer was serving to stay in the second set at 4-5 30-40, Kohlschreiber broke serve when the Swiss player hit his backhand into the net.
Kohlschreiber, who often trains with Federer, dropped just four points on his serve in the second set.
Federer made his second double fault in the second game but managed to hold his serve. Kohlschreiber was again solid with his serve and wen up 2-1. Federer hit 8th ace to draw level to 2-2.
Kohlschreiber hit a forehand return but Federer won his service game for 3-3. Federer fired his fourth consecutive ace to draw level to 4-4.
Federer finally managed to break on the most crucial moment after a hard-fought battle on serve to take a 5-4 lead when Kohlschreiber sent a crosscourt forehand wide.
As Federer served for the match, he earned three match points with a forehand winner. Kohlschreiber saved the first match point before Federer converted his second opportunity with his forehand volley after 1 hour and 38 minutes. Federer won just 7 points than Kohlschreiber.
Federer ended the match with 13 aces and won 87 percent of his first serve points.
Federer won the 1050th match of his legendary career. He is bidding to win his seventh title in his home town.
Federer extended his winning streak against Kohlschreiber to 11-0. They met twice earlier this year in Halle and at the US Open. In Halle Federer won a very tight match in the tie-break of the third set with 7-6 (10-8) 3-6 7-6 (7-5) . in New York Federer won a much easier match in three sets with 6-3 6-4 6-4.
Kohlschteiber lost his past 15 matches against top-10 players.
The Basel star will face David Goffin in a re-match of last year’s Swiss Indoor Open final. The Belgian player, who will play the Davis Cup final between Great Britain and Belgium next month, beat Adrian Mannarino 6-4 6-4.
“I thank the crowd for the great support. They were very helpful”, said Federer in the post-match interview.
