Federer win sets up Miami final against Isner

Roger Federer won a battle of the ages, beating 19-year-old Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-2 6-4 in the semifinals of the Miami Open.

Federer, a three-time tournament champion, will face defending champion John Isner on Sunday.

The age gap with Shapovalov was the largest of 37-year-old Federer’s career, and experience triumphed. Federer used a wide array of shot-making to take control with two early breaks, and he lost only eight points on his serve.

“It was a tactical match by me,” Federer said. “I’m happy I was able to play with variations.”

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Shapovalov will climb to a career-best No. 20 in the rankings.

“Denis is a great player and he will be even better in the future,” Federer said.

Federer, seeded fourth, improved to 17-2 this year. He lost in this month’s Indian Wells final to Dominic Thiem.

Like Federer, Isner advanced by beating a Canadian teenager – 18-year-old qualifier Felix Auger-Aliassime, 7-6(3), 7-6(4).

Federer is 5-2 against Isner, but they haven’t played each other since 2015.

???? FEDERER IS FINAL BOUND ????

???????? @rogerfederer d. Shapovalov 6-2 6-4 as he edges closer to #101#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/X3SlG2kU3u

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 30, 2019

Isner, now 33, won his only ATP Masters title a year ago on Key Biscayne.

“It’s amazing – I said before the tournament the chances were I would not defend my title,” Isner said.

“I’m very, very happy.”

The 6-foot-10 American hit 21 aces in the semifinal and has 98 in five tournament matches. Federer laughingly said he’ll brace for a barrage.

“I know what to expect – that he will not miss many serves,” Federer said. “On Sunday I’ll be the goalie and try my very best.”