Roger Federer Advances To Cincinnati Final As Goffin Retires - UBITENNIS

Roger Federer Advances To Cincinnati Final As Goffin Retires

A 46th career meeting with Novak Djokovic awaits in Sunday's final.

By Cole Paxton
3 Min Read

David Goffin abruptly retired early in the second set of his Cincinnati semifinal against Roger Federer, who will seek an eighth title in the American midwest after a 7-6, 1-1 decision in an hour and two minutes.

Goffin abruptly walked toward the net at 40-30 on his serve, ostensibly to examine a ball mark, before signaling defeat and shaking Federer’s hand. The Belgian, the No. 11 seed in the tournament, appeared bothered by a right shoulder issue and received treatment for it between sets.

His serve speed dipped in the opening game of the second set, in which he faced break point as Federer aggressively returned slow balls, but managed to hold. He then built a 40-15 lead at 1-1 before losing what became the final point of the match.

“I did realize that he wasn’t serving very big, especially up the T,” Federer said on ESPN. “After he called the trainer, looking around and seeing his demeanor even on the return games, he looked unhappy.”

Both players had slugged through the first set, holding serve with ease as both struggled to return effectively. The first 10 games took less than 30 minutes, though Federer played his way into the match and earned three set points at 5-6. Goffin saved each one, then won the first point of the tiebreak on the 20-time grand slam champion’s serve.

But two exceptional return points from Federer put him ahead, and the on-form server — he hit nine aces and won three quarters of first serve points — gave Goffin no more openings. The No. 2 seed closed the set at first asking when Goffin knocked a forehand into the net.

Because of the truncated match, Federer seems likely to be better rested in Sunday’s final against Novak Djokovic, who won four consecutive three set matches to reach the final. The 46th affair between the two sets up an intriguing battle, as Djokovic looks to complete the career Masters slam and Federer goes for an incredible eighth win in Cincinnati.

Goffin, meanwhile, appeared to suffer from wear and tear after a big week. He beat Kevin Anderson and Juan Martin Del Potro — both in straight sets — on Friday. He could not repeat form from his last meeting against Federer, a victory in last year’s tour finals.

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