Del Potro knew a straight sets win would guarantee his place in the semi-finals, but a three set win would mean if came down to games difference and unfortunately for the British fans, he edged out Murray by one game after a 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 win.
That meant Murray was left to rue more than a dozen missed break point opportunities in his match with Fernando Verdasco that would have meant he qualified for the last four, but Del Potro and Federer will now return on Saturday.
Del Potro took the early initiative with an early break on his third break point in the opening game as he progressed to a 3-1 lead.
A double fault from the world number one gave Del Potro the double break and he closed out the set with two big serves to leave Federer needing the second set to avoid being eliminated.
Federer had to fight hard to avoid falling a break down in the opening game of the second set, but after saving a break point, he began to look more dominant on his serve.
However, Del Potro matched him game for game and the set inevitably progressed to a second set tiebreak.
Del Potro looked favourite to see out the match in straight sets after leading 4-2 and 5-4 in the tiebreak but Federer came storming back both points on the Argentinean’s serve and win the set with a volley.
Going into the final set, Murray fans needed Federer to win four games in the final set for Murray to make the last four, and at 3-3, he had his chance.
However, Del Potro saved three break points to, unbeknown to him, remain in the tournament, and he made his move in Federer’s next service game by bringing up three break points, and he converted the second to move one away from the last four and knocking Murray out.
Federer ensured the game went to 30-30, but two huge Del Potro serves were enough to seal the win and agonisingly send Murray out of the tournament - despite winning two out of his three group games.
That meant Murray was left to rue more than a dozen missed break point opportunities in his match with Fernando Verdasco that would have meant he qualified for the last four, but Del Potro and Federer will now return on Saturday.
Del Potro took the early initiative with an early break on his third break point in the opening game as he progressed to a 3-1 lead.
A double fault from the world number one gave Del Potro the double break and he closed out the set with two big serves to leave Federer needing the second set to avoid being eliminated.
Federer had to fight hard to avoid falling a break down in the opening game of the second set, but after saving a break point, he began to look more dominant on his serve.
However, Del Potro matched him game for game and the set inevitably progressed to a second set tiebreak.
Del Potro looked favourite to see out the match in straight sets after leading 4-2 and 5-4 in the tiebreak but Federer came storming back both points on the Argentinean’s serve and win the set with a volley.
Going into the final set, Murray fans needed Federer to win four games in the final set for Murray to make the last four, and at 3-3, he had his chance.
However, Del Potro saved three break points to, unbeknown to him, remain in the tournament, and he made his move in Federer’s next service game by bringing up three break points, and he converted the second to move one away from the last four and knocking Murray out.
Federer ensured the game went to 30-30, but two huge Del Potro serves were enough to seal the win and agonisingly send Murray out of the tournament - despite winning two out of his three group games.
No comments:
Post a Comment