Roger Federer defeats Grigor Dimitrov to reach Brisbane International semi-finals
Friday 8 January 2016 13:42, UK
Roger Federer reached the semi-finals at the Brisbane International after digging deep for a three-set win over Grigor Dimitrov.
The Swiss star was still struggling with the lingering effects of a recent illness as he edged out Dimitrov 6-4 6-7 (4/7) 6-4 in his fourth consecutive win over the Bulgarian.
After collecting the first set, Federer dropped the second in an energy-sapping tie-break, but broke Dimitrov in the fifth game of the third and sealed the win in two hours seven minutes.
"It was tough in a way. The body is not quite ready, you know, so it's good to get through it without any issues," he said. "But yeah, physically it was difficult."
Federer will take on Austrian Dominic Thiem in Saturday's semi-final after the eighth seed stunned former US Open champion Marin Cilic 2-6 7-6 (7/4) 6-4.
Australia's Bernard Tomic delighted the home fans after he also reached the semis with a 6-3 1-6 6-3 win over Kei Nishikori.
Tomic will next face fourth seed Milos Raonic, who downed Frenchman Lucas Pouille in straight sets 6-4 6-4 in the first match on Pat Rafter Arena.
