Federer Solves Isner's Serve, Finally, and Advances
John Isner, the last American man remaining in the draw, came out with a right-minded, aggressive game plan and plenty of positive energy. But despite all of Isner's best efforts, he could not find a way to win a set against Roger Federer.
Roger Federer saved the break of serve for last, doing what no man had managed to do for two years at the U.S. Open against John Isner.
But by then, Federer already had this fourth-round duel firmly under control.
Isner, the last American man remaining in the draw, came out with a right-minded, aggressive game plan and plenty of positive energy.
But despite all of Isner's best efforts, he could not find a way to win a set against Federer, the Swiss star who continued his fine summer-long impression of peak Federer on a muggy Monday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Federer is 34, but he still had the touch, reflexes and closing speed required to win the points that mattered most in this match in which extended rallies were rare and flashy shot-making was plentiful.
The critical points came in the tiebreakers, and Federer won them both on his way to completing his 7-6 (0), 7-6 (6), 7-5 victory.
"Obviously John has one of the best serves in the game," said Federer, the No. 2 seed. "The pace on his second serve is unreal. You've just got to hang around and make sure you don't drop your own serve, and I guess that was the key to the match."
Federer did not lose his own serve, saving all five break points he faced.
He will now play another familiar foe - Richard Gasquet of France - in the quarterfinals. Gasquet rallied to defeat Tomas Berdych, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-1.
"Well, at this stage, everything's tough," Federer said. "Richard's a great player, unbelievable talent, great shot-maker." (Murray Exits, Wawrinka Advances)
It has also been a fine summer run for Gasquet, who upset Federer's Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka at Wimbledon on his way to the semifinals.
But Federer, who beat Gasquet to win Switzerland's first Davis Cup last year, and Wawrinka remain the favorites to meet in the semifinals here. Wawrinka is set to face Kevin Anderson in the other quarterfinal in the top half of the draw.
"I'm aware of the test ahead," Federer said.
© 2015 New York Times News Service