David Goffin causes upset to end Roger Federer's season at the ATP Finals
Belgian makes it through to first major final where he will play Grigor Dimitrov or Jack Sock
Sunday 19 November 2017 03:14, UK
David Goffin came of age by upsetting the great Roger Federer with a shock 2-6 6-3 6-4 victory to make it through to Sunday's showpiece at the season-ending ATP Finals at London's O2.
The world No 2 walked out on court for his 14th semi-final at the tournament against Belgium's Goffin, with the Swiss veteran bidding for a seventh end-of-season title.
Federer, who has won the ATP Finals a record six times, but not since 2011, required five break point chances in a seven-minute opening game to make the breakthrough.
Goffin, who reached the semis after beating world No 1 Rafael Nadal, and later thumping his good friend Dominic Thiem on Friday, was being given the runaround.
It wasn't long before the Swiss secured a double break thanks to a couple of sublime backhand winners and he sealed the set in 33 minutes.
The seventh seed, who will lead Belgium in the Davis Cup final against France next weekend, started the second set with plenty of positivity and surprised Federer by breaking him for just the third time in the entire tournament before opening up a quick-fire 3-0 lead.
Goffin was taking Federer out of his comfort zone, and turned the match on its head before closing out the set in fine fashion.
Goffin broke the 19-time Grand Slam champion in the third game of the decider in an incredible transformation with the confidence now oozing from the 26-year-old.
And he became just the fifth man to beat Federer this season while also ending his six-match losing streak against the 36-year-old.
Shot of the match
Goffin amazed
"That was such a special moment and something I cannot describe," Goffin said afterwards.
"It was just I was feeling the ball well, I was nervous at the start of the match but felt better in the second and the serve was there, because I was nervous in the last game.
"But I hit some great serves and some great forehands, and it was my day."
Experts' view
The genius from Goffin was breaking down Federer’s forehand. In that second set it was noticeable – I think there were fifteen unforced errors. It is one of the biggest upsets in men’s tennis this year.
I am not quite sure if his topspin backhand has been quite the weapon it has been throughout the year for him. Maybe it didn’t allow him to attack off as much as he would have liked.
What's next
Goffin will play Dimitrov in the final of the season-ending showpiece. You can watch all the action - live on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Mix from 3.30pm.
The season-ending extravaganza ATP Finals ends another memorable year which will be covered via our website www.skysports.com/tennis with live blogs, reports, reaction and expert analysis as the season reaches its climax.
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