TENNIS – Roger Federer will face Novak Djokovic in the final at the BNP Paribas in Indian Wells. Federer beat Milos Raonic 7-5 6-4 without dropping his serve in the whole match. Djokovic beat Andy Murray 6-2 6-3 in less than 90 minutes. Diego Sampaolo
Roger Federer won for the ninth time in 10 head-to-head matches over Milos Raonic. Federer earned a break point in the fifth game but Raonic fended it off with an ace. The first set went on serve until 5-5 when Federer converted on his fourth break point chance to take a 6-5 lead when Raonic hit his backhand long. Federer broke for the second time in the match in the first game of the second set with a backhand winner. Federer was very solid on serve and faced only a break point chance and sealed the win on his first match point after 1 hour and 26 minutes.
Djokovic dominated the first semifinal winning 6-2 6-3 over Andy Murray. Djokovic broke three times in the first set and once in the second set to clinch his sixth consecutive win over Murray.
Djokovic broke serve twice service games in his first three to open up a 5-1 lead.Murray broke in the seventh game for 2-5 but Djokovic broke back to love immediately to seal the first set. Murray won only 40 percent of his first serve points and made three double faults and 16 unforced errors.
Djokovic opened up a 3-0 lead in the second set. Murray brought up two break points at 40-15 on Djokovic’ serve but Djokovic took the game to deuce with two huge serves before holding serve for 4-1 with a smash and a forehand. Djokovic and Murray held serve before the Scotsman hit a forehand into the net. Murray saved the first match point with an ace for 3-5
Murray fended off two more match points but Djokovic sealed the win on the fourth match point as Murray hit his backhand into the net. Murray
“I made a crucial break at the start and Andy was not at his best. He made a lot of unforced errors and his first serve percentage was low”, said Djokovic
Federer and Djokovic will meet again in the final at Indian Wells one year after the three-set win by the Serbian star who triumphed in the Californian desert with 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7-3). Federer leads 20-17 in their head-to-head matches and won their last final in Dubai last month. Federer is bidding to win his fifth title in his 15th appearance at Indian Wells.
