Roger Federer defeats Stan Wawrinka to reach Cincinnati Masters semi-finals
The 37-year-old will face David Goffin in the semi-finals after the Belgian overcame Juan Martin del Potro in Friday's other quarter-final
Saturday 18 August 2018 08:13, UK
World No 2 Roger Federer posted his second win of the day, amid a lightning fear interruption, to reach the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Masters on Friday.
The seven-time champion beat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka 6-7(2), 7-6(6), 6-2.
A match that started with a low-key atmosphere developed into a cracking affair when Federer took the second set tiebreak.
Play was halted two points into the third set for 21 minutes with players being sent off court and crowds told to seek shelter as a storm cell passed near the site.
Federer was in a different class once the match resumed after a short delay.
"It's quite unusual to stop for lightning," Federer said.
"I didn't know if it meant the end of the night or that we would come back.
"I got my energy back for the third set, a momentum shift was good for me. It was also good that I was serving first.
"I played a cleaner third set. I was clear with my game plan. It was good to win two matches today."
While Federer narrowly avoided an early exit, another high seed was sent packing, as number four Juan Martin del Potro fell to Belgian David Goffin 7-6(5) 7-6(4).
Goffin closed out a tight match with a backhand winner down the baseline.
His reward is a Saturday evening semi-final against Federer, while the other last-four clash will match former world No 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia against Croatia's Marin Cilic.
Earlier on Friday, Federer, bidding for his eighth Cincinnati title, outlasted Leonardo Mayer of Argentina 6-1 7-6(6) in the third round.
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Watch the scheduled semi-finals from the Cincinnati Masters, live on Sky Sports Action from 7pm and Sunday's final on Sky Sports Arena from 9pm.
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