Australian Open: The Federer of Miracles is already in the semifinals of Australia

I beat American Tennys Sandgren in five sets after saving seven game points in the fourth set

Federer can add a nickname to his name: the Roger of miracles. It is, at least, what is happening with him at the Australian Open, a tournament he should have left a while ago and in which on Friday play for a place in the final on Sunday.

The 38-year-old Swiss defeats the American Tennys Sandgren 6-3, 2-6, 2-6, 7-6 (10-8) and 6-3 after overcoming seven match balls in the fourth round.

“I don't deserve to win this match, but here I am, very happy. I believe in miracles,” Federer said after a battle of three hours and 31 minutes in Rod Laver Arena, a game that I played with serious physical discomfort from the third set.

“Sometimes you have to be lucky … With seven match points you are not in control. I hoped he wouldn't throw the winning shot, but I think I had incredible luck. I began to feel better in the fifth set and get better, “added the number three in the world, which was raw in the description of his time in Australia:” He should be skiing in Switzerland. “

The elimination was not only a fact, it was also on Friday night, when the Australian John millman I wasted an advantage of 8-4 in the sper tie break of the fifth set to let the Swiss react, who took the partial 10-8 to move to the round of 16.

Physical problems

The problem in the groin had Federer on the verge of leaving the tournament. The Swiss, clearly, could not move to the sides, and left the central court to be treated in the locker room during the third quarter.

But it was the fourth set that justified paying any value for today's entry. Federer, stuck in the cement, played with the arm and, above all, with the nerves of his rival. Slice of insistent reverse, he left the ball at his disposal to do what he wanted, and Sandgren often made disasters. Of the seven match points he had in the fourth set, five lost them due to their own mistakes, increasingly gripped by nerves.

In the middle of an unusual match, I don't miss something happening ever seen in high-level tennis: a ball-driver collides at full speed with Sandgren's left leg, impacting on his twin. Sandgren began to limp while I noticed Marijana Veljovic's situation.

Federer had two break points to place 2-0 in the fifth, but missed the opportunity. Although they are still able to move well, I did better than in the fourth set. And Sandgren, who alternated points with his powerful serve and striking errors, continued to suffer from the seven lost match points. I could not forgive him.

And they did not forgive him, because with Federer more and more recovered from his physical problems and using both his service and the inconsistencies of the rival, what an hour before was an impossible victory became a reality. On Friday, Serbian Novak Dkjokovic or Canadian Milos Raonic are waiting for him, who play tonight at the Rod Laver Arena.