Top seed Roger Federer has continued his love affair with the Swiss Indoors by recording one of his most one-sided wins in the history of the tournament on Wednesday.
The nine-time champion was in peak form throughout his dominant 6-0, 6-3, win over Moldova’s Radu Albot. A player who took a set off the Swiss Maestro in their previous meeting at the Miami Masters earlier this year. However, this time round it was a one-way run for Federer. In terms of games dropped, it was his most one-sided match played in Basel since his triumph over David Goffin in the 2017 semi-finals.
“I hit the balls on the return like a magnet, you’re still scared that the game can turn, but my feeling was unbelievable, with everything he tried he got caught by me.” Federer said during his interview with Swiss TV.
“The moments when everything works, you have to appreciate, because they are rare. It’s so much the better that it worked in Basel.”
Despite Albot’s best efforts, it was not enough to tame the 20-time grand slam champion. During their 62-minute encounter, Federer hit 32 winners to 21 unforced errors as he won 75% of his service points. Furthermore, he also converted five out of his 10 break point opportunities.
Federer is through to his 17th Swiss Indoors quarter-final at the age of 38. He is also on a 22-match winning streak at the event. Awaiting him next will be either compatriot Stan Wawrinka or Frances Tiafoe.
“I hope to play Stan on Friday, I never thought he would be able to do so well on fast surfaces, he’s a tennis legend and would love to play against him here in Basel, even if it’s always it’s hard against him.” Federer commented on the potential clash.
Wawrinka kicked-off his campaign today in what was one of the last first round matches remaining. He saw off Pablo Cuevas 6-3, 6-4, after just over an hour of play. Wawrinka is hoping to reproduce his form from last week where he reached the final of the European Open before losing in the title match against Andy Murray. It was his first appearance in an ATP Final since February.
“It was great for a first match,” said Wawrinka.
“I moved and served well, I was really focused. I’m really happy to get through in two sets.”
Federer’s record in Basel now stands at 73 wins to nine losses.
