Federer raced to 5-0 in the opening set before Anderson was able to get on the board. The 34-year-old would go on to claim the result on his fourth match point when Anderson’s forehand found the net. It was one of those nights when everything seemed to fall into place for the Swiss great.
“Definitely felt better than other days. Felt good on the return, felt good on the serve, seeing just the ball really well,” Federer said. “It's a pleasure to play that way because it doesn't happen very often that you feel this good. So you've got to enjoy it, but then, unfortunately, you have to quickly put it behind you and look forward.”
Federer revealed he had trained with his opponent only last week and knew it could have potentially been much more difficult against the big-serving 29-year-old. He said nothing, though, replicated the conditions of actual match play.
“I played a great match and I'm very pleased, because I knew that tough challenge ahead,” he said. “I had practised with Kevin last week here. I lost both sets I played with him in practice, so I was really happy that I was able to turn it around tonight.”
Federer finished with 23 winners and just eight unforced errors to Anderson’s 12 winners and 21 unforced errors. He moved to within two victories of reaching a seventh Cincinnati final – which he would enter with a perfect 6-0 record. First he must get past Lopez. He carries a perfect 11-0 record against the Spaniard.
“Played a lot against him in my life. We go way back to the European Championships, under-16 and under-18 where I lost both times against him,” Federer said.
“Then on the Tour I don't think I lost against him, but we played on all different conditions, and we know each other obviously very well because of that. It was a tough match for him tonight; played a good ’breaker. Obviously everybody knows how well he can serve. He also beat Raonic here, now Rafa. Clearly he's on a run.”
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