Federer overcomes Wawrinka to reach Cincinnati semis

Roger Federer continued his mastery over Stan Wawrinka, but not before getting a fright en route to a 6-7(2) 7-6(6) 6-2 quarterfinal victory at the Cincinnati Masters.

Federer improved his career record against his Swiss compatriot to 21-3.

A match that started with a low key atmosphere developed into a cracking affair when Federer took the second set tiebreak.

“I just had to hang tough, not get frustrated, and hope that I was not going to throw in a horrible service game or that he was going to connect perfectly,” Federer told atpworldtour.com.

“It was a close match today, so I’m just relieved that I got through it somehow.”

Roger that! ????????????@rogerfederer battles back to defeat Stan Wawrinka 6-7(2) 7-6(6) 6-2 for his 13th consecutive victory at #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/j2U6ahvBN2

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 18, 2018

Wawrinka, still making his way back from injury, was two points from victory in the second set tiebreak and was able to take plenty of positives from his performance.

“I need to keep improving, keep working, keep doing the right thing and keep pushing myself,” said Wawrinka.

“For sure tonight I’m sad and disappointed to lose, but for me it’s a big victory for myself after what I had last year. It was exactly one year ago.

“To see where I was also few weeks ago, I’m really happy to be here.”

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While Federer narrowly avoided an early exit, another high seed was sent packing, as number four Juan Martin del Potro fell to Belgian David Goffin 7-6(5) 7-6(4).

His reward is a Saturday evening semi-final against Federer, while the other last four clash will match former world number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia against Croatia’s Marin Cilic.

It was a busy day for 10th-seeded Djokovic, who came from behind to oust defending champion Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria 2-6 6-3 6-4 in the conclusion of a third round match carried over from Thursday.

Only a couple of hours later, Djokovic stopped Milos Raonic 7-5 4-6 6-3, improving his career record to a perfect 9-0 against the Canadian.

“I’m very pleased with my fighting spirit and staying mentally tough to overcome deficits in both matches,” Djokovic said.

“Obviously the match against Dimitrov yesterday didn’t start so well for me. He started tremendously well.

“And to go back on the court again against Raonic, who was serving 140-plus miles (per hour) from the first game, that got me going, for sure, from the beginning.”

Stars, they’re just like us…

???? @djokernole #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/wEuHPTtOFM

— Western & Southern Open (@CincyTennis) August 18, 2018

Former champion Cilic made his way to the semi-finals with a 7-6(5) 3-6 6-4 third-round win over Russia’s Karen Khachanov before toppling Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta 7-6(7) 6-4.

Earlier on Friday, in matches held over because of a rain delay, Federer outlasted Leonardo Mayer of Argentina 6-1 7-6 (8-6) in the third round.

Wawrinka beat Marton Fucsovics of Hungary 6-4 6-3 in their third-round match.

Fourth seed Del Potro overcame Australian Nick Kyrgios 7-6(4) 6-7(6) 6-2.

Goffin did not face a break point in defeating sixth seed Kevin Anderson of South Africa 6-2 6-4 in 76 minutes.