Federer sees off Chung to reach Indian Wells semis

Roger Federer took another step towards a record sixth Indian Wells title – and kept hold of the number one ranking – with a straight-sets win over Hyeon Chung.

The defending champion came through 7-5 6-1 in a repeat of the Australian Open semi-final two months ago, when Chung was forced to retire because of blisters.

The Korean was fully fit and offered a serious challenge during the first set in California, but Federer found a different gear to wrap up victory in one hour and 23 minutes.

Federer, who now has a 16-0 record in 2018, had to reach at least the semifinals to prevent losing the number one spot to Rafael Nadal.

The 36-year-old Swiss goes on to face unseeded Croatian Borna Coric, who earlier upset seventh seed Kevin Anderson 2-6 6-4 7-6(3).

16-0??@rogerfederer in 2018 = ???? ???? ????

The Swiss’ best start to a season since 2006 (also 16-0)#BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/h7bY6MpxtO

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 16, 2018

Federer leapt out to an early 3-0 lead but the growing threat of Chung was evident as he fought his way back on to level terms and appeared on course to earn a tie-break.

The Korean’s error count cost him dear, however, as two missed forehands in a row, under intense pressure, saw him drop the set.

The 23rd seed pushed hard at the start of the second but when Federer saw off four break points to hold in game one, the Korean’s challenge was as good as done.

Federer swept through five of the next six games, a blistering backhand winner down the line helping him close in before an ace down the ‘T’ completed the job.

“I’m happy I found a way,” said the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

“I started off really well, struggled afterwards, found my game back again and was able to protect it, saving big break points early on in the second set.

“I think that was the key to the match, those 10, 15 minutes where I broke at the end of the first and then saved break points early in the second.”