WIMBLEDON: Roger Federer has strolled into the quarter-finals of the Wimbledon Championships after hammering Matteo Berrettini 6-1, 6-2, 6-2, in his fourth round match.
The 75-minute display saw the 20-time grand slam champion crushed his erratic opponent, who produced 23 unforced errors. A huge contrast to Federer’s tally of only five.
“I’m really happy. I’ve gotten into a great groove now and today I think I was able to read his (Berrettini’s) serve a bit.” Said Federer.
“I got enough returns back in and took control from the baseline. It was a great match, a great tournament so far.”
Coming into the match Berrettini was tipped to give the 20-time grand slam champion a run for his money. The 23-year-old recently became only the third Italian man in the Open Era to win a tour-level match on the grass in Stuttgart. He was also a semi-finalist in Halle and had won 11 matches on the surface.
In reality, it was a one-way Federer masterclass as he bullied his opponent around the court, who appeared to still be a bit tentative following his five-set win over Diego Schwartzman in the previous round. The opening set was a bit of a blur for the Italian. 18 minutes was all that Federer needed to race to a 6-1 lead. Dropping just one point behind serve and winning 24 out of the first 32 points played.
Federer’s intensity meant that he was able to take time away from his opponent. Triggering an array of mistakes from across the court. A Berrettini forehand error followed by a failed drop shot gifted the second seed yet another break and this time to serve for a two-set lead. Something he did with ease after hitting a wide forehand that triggered his opponent to return the ball out.
Just when things couldn’t have gotten worse for Berrettini, he began the third set with a disastrous service game. Which concluded with him missing a seemingly simple drop shot at the net. The unbelievably bad luck continued for Berrettini. Facing going down a double break, poor footwork contributed to him slipping on the court. Handing Federer the 3-0 advantage.
There would be no end to the smackdown as Federer stormed to victory. The Italian did show glimpses of his talent towards the end, but that was all they were. In cruise control, Federer closed the match out in a fitting fashion. A love service game which ended with a serve and volley.
Federer has only dropped one set in the tournament so far, which was against Lloyd Harris in the first round. He is now through to a record 17th Wimbledon quarter-final and 55th at grand slam level. He is also the oldest man to reach the last eight of a major since Jimmy Connors at the 1991 US Open.
“If you can get through with having enough energy in the tank as the big matches roles around it’s obviously a bit of a bonus, but at the same time the mindset has to be can you play seven five sets.” He explained.
“That’s what I train for. When it, those five-setters, doesn’t happen it’s a relief.”
Federer will play Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the next round. Nishikori edged his way past Mikhail Kukushkin 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
