Federer showed exquisite touch at times but the Spaniard put up strong resistance
Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates during the quarterfinal match against Daniel Gimeno-Traver of Spain at the Istanbul Open tennis tournament at Garanti Koza Arena in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo: AP)
Istanbul: Swiss World No.2 Roger Federer on Friday survived a serious challenge from Daniel Gimeno-Traver of Spain to edge into the semifinals of the Istanbul Open after a three set battle lasting almost two-and-a-half hours.
Gimeno-Traver, 29, the World No.62, was in no way overawed by the occasion as he met Federer for the first time with the Swiss eventually pushing through to win 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (5/7), 6-3.
Federer showed exquisite touch at times but the Spaniard put up strong resistance. The 17-times Grand Slam winner was kept in place in a tight first set, only moving ahead in the tie break which he took with a gorgeous backhand crosscourt dink that ravished the crowd.
Playing with aggression and abandon, Gimeno-Traver raced to a 5-2 lead in the second set but Federer pegged him back to force another tie-break.
Gimeno-Traver raised his game once more with some impressive shot making, taking the breaker 7-5 when Federer tamely pushed a service return into the net.
But Federer showed his class in the final set, taking it 6-3 despite showing signs of frailty on his serve which forced him to save four break points.
( Source : AFP )
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