Roger Federer stuns defending champ in straight sets to book final date with compatriot Wawrinka
Novak Djokovic reacts during his semi-final against Roger Federer at Monte-Carlo yesterday. Pic/Getty Images.
Monte Carlo: Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka eased into the Monte Carlo Masters final on Saturday, setting up the first all-Swiss title showdown in 14 years.
Novak Djokovic reacts during his semi-final against Roger Federer at Monte-Carlo yesterday. Pic/Getty Images.
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Federer, who has never won the trophy in the principality, beat Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-2 as the defending champion and World No 2 struggled with a right wrist injury which limited his serving to the 150kph range.
Ferrer fades away
Wawrinka, the Australian Open champion, saw off David Ferrer 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), a day after the Spaniard stunned eight-time champion compatriot Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals. Federer featured in the last all-Swiss final when he lost to Marc Rosset in the 2000 Marseille decider, back in the days when the 17-time Grand Slam title winner was still a raw teenager.
Federer, a loser in three Monte Carlo finals to Nadal, will be making his first title bid in the tournament since 2008.
“It comes as a bit of a surprise to be in the finals, especially the first one on clay,” said Federer. “But, of course, I’ll take it. “I’ve put in the performance to be there, gave myself the opportunity this week. So I’m very happy with my play.”
Djokovic’s loss ended a 13-match win streak and a run of 23 in a row at the Masters level.
Advantage Roger
The Easter Sunday title match-up will be huge for both Swiss men, but Federer goes into the match with a psychological edge standing 13-1 over his Davis Cup doubles partner and good friend.
“It’s incredible that we are in the final together, the same week we’ve been playing well for some time now,” said Federer.
Wawrinka won his only match in the series against Federer in the 2009 Monte Carlo third round.
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