It’s rare that a major semifinal is the first career meeting between two players, but that’s what happens when a first-time major semifinalist meets a 43-time major semifinalist. With big contrasts in both experience and styles, this could be a fascinating encounter.
Roger Federer vs. Hyeon Chung
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Chung has been the breakout star of this tournament. Fresh off his ATP Next Gen Finals title at the end of last year, he’s used that momentum and confidence to catapult himself into major title contention. Hyeon followed up his impressive victories over Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic with an easy win over Tennys Sandgren in the quarterfinals. Chung’s sliding skills paired with his shot making skills have thrilled the crowds in Melbourne during this fortnight. He’s also yet to show any signs of nerves. But even the relaxed 21-year-old must feel a bit nervous going into the biggest match of his career against the 19-time major champion, right? Especially when Federer is in as good of form as he’s been through five rounds, as he’s yet to drop a set. While Federer will be the heavy favorite, I think this will be the toughest test he’s faced in this tournament. Chung plays a lot like his idol Novak Djokovic, and we’ve seen many occasions where Djokovic outplayed Federer with that style. I would not be surprised to see Chung push Federer to a fourth or fifth set, but I do expect Roger to advance to his 30th career Grand Slam final.
Key facts about the match
- It is the first meeting between the two players on the tour
- Federer hasn’t played against a Korean player since Hyung-Taik Lee at the 2007 Monte Carlo Master
- Federer is aiming to become the first man in the Open Era to reach 30 grand slam finals
- Federer has previously played in 13 Australian Open semifinals since 2005. Winning six of them.
- Federer hasn’t reached a second consecutive final at the Australian Open since 2010.
- Chung is bidding to become the first Korean to reach a grand slam final
- Should Chung defeat Federer, it will be the first time that no member of the ‘Big 4’ has reached the final in Melbourne since 2005.
- Chung is only playing in his eighth grand slam main draw. Federer is playing in his 53rd.
