AO 2020 QF: Federer v. Sandgren
FULl MATCH
HIGHLIGHTS
** SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT **
R. Federer defeats T. Sandgren
6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 6-3
“Roger Federer has had many improbable victories in his career, and a smattering of unusual defeats, but his passage into the semi-finals of the 2020 Australian Open after three-and-half hours of undiluted drama against Tennys Sandgren was in another dimension.”
Some quick anticipation from Roger saves him from an otherwise poor drop volley. Full Point
MATCH REVIEW
Grade: A-
In terms of entertainment value, this one is a heart clencher… particularly for Federer fans. Yet it’s pretty clear that Roger was not only struggling throughout the match, but the entire tournament. This was not his best tennis. Yet there is value in champions persevering through their bad days, and it was a joy to see Roger overcome such a deficit. The combination of experience and unadulterated will, allowed Federer to slug through match points and eventually clench the win.
Sandgren played arguably the better match, and the rating takes a hit because it definitely felt that Tennys lost the match as opposed to Federer taking back the match. Nevertheless, a great match and good example of how to push through a match when you’re not at 100%.
THE STATS
7 Match Points Saved by Federer
Sandgren won 1 more point than Federer overall. 161 to 160
Sandgren served out of his mind. He had 26 aces to only 5 from Federer.
POST MATCH INTERVIEW
“You’ve got to be lucky sometimes”