An underperforming Roger Federer outlasted Adrian Mannarino to advance to the Semi-Finals of the Swiss Indoors in Basel.
The world number two defeated Mannarino in exactly 1 hour and 43 minutes to advance to the last four and keep his hopes of ending the season world number one alive.
There was not much to separate the two players in the first set as the world number 28 served well in the early stages of the opening set.
Despite comfortable holds the 19 time grand slam champion was broken to love in the ninth game as Mannarino went on to grab the first set 6-4 in 31 minutes.
The second set was much better from Federer though as he broke down a weary Mannarino twice to storm into a 5-0 lead.
Despite his good first set Mannarino made too many unforced errors as Federer sealed the second set 6-1 to force a decider.
The third set saw Federer start to become frustrated and even misfired forehands and backhands into the stands which is a rare occurrence for Federer.
Despite having break points in the sixth game, Mannarino crumbled under pressure and was broken in the seventh game as Federer was revitalised.
The Swiss maestro didn’t take his foot off the gas as he broke Mannarino again with a backhand passing shot as he wrapped up the match in three sets.
So Federer survives a tough test even when he was making a lot of unforced errors. He will now play David Goffin or Jack Sock in the last four.
In other results Juan Martin Del Potro strengthened his chances of reaching the season ending finale with a 6-2 2-6 6-4 victory over Roberto Bautista Agut.
The Argentinian served eight aces as he won in just over two hours to advance to the Semi-Finals and go within touching distance of eighth ranked Pablo Carreno Busta. Del Potro needs the Basel title to overtake the Spaniard with Paris looming next week.
There were an amazing seven breaks of serve in the match with Del Potro landing the final blow in the ninth game of the final set as the former champion advances to the last four.
The Argentinian said after the match that he is determined to make it to London, “We played a great match and I survived and I’m still alive to qualify for London. I know I am getting closer and closer to qualifying, but I need to keep winning here and in Paris. We’ll then see if I qualify or not.”
Del Potro will now play second seed Marin Cilic in the last four who beat Marton Fucsovic 7-6(3) 5-7 7-6(4) in a three hour epic tussle.
Despite breaking five times, Fucsovics couldn’t keep serve or win the important points as Cilic continued building momentum towards the season ending finale in London.
