Roger Federer admits he got lucky as he edges David Goffin; Alexander Zverev up next

ATP Tour
Roger Federer

It wasn’t all one-way traffic for Roger Federer, but he got the job done against David Goffin to reach the Shanghai Masters quarter-final where he will face Alexander Zverev.

The second seed saved five set points in the first set before settling into a rhythm to see off the Belgian 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 in just under two hours.

After Goffin saved a set point in game 10 of the opener, the Belgian then broke the Federer serve in the next game to lead 6-5.

He came out serving for the set and fashioned three set points, but couldn’t take it as the Swiss player drew level.

And he had two more set points in the tie-breaker, but again couldn’t make the most of it and duly paid the price as Federer edged the set.

The 16-time Grand Slam winner then broke once in the second set before serving it out, but he admits he was lucky.

“It was tough. He served for the set at 6-5. We both had chances but he probably had a few more I must admit,” Federer said.

“I had to play some very accurate shots and it went very close to the lines. They could easily have gone another way I know that.

“I was a bit fortunate to win that first set but I played ok and I fought extremely hard.

“Sometimes it falls your way. I have had a good season and served well at the end.

“The first set was certainly crucial to put me in the lead.”

Fifth seed Zverev also made life difficult for himself as he allowed Andrey Rublev back in the match after enjoying a 6-0, 3-0 advantage.

After winning the opening nine games of the match, Zverev was broken in game four only to hit back again in the next game, but Rublev broke again in game nine and then drew level at 5-5.

It went to the tie-breaker and the German got the job done on his first match point to win 6-0, 7-6 (7-4).

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Alexander Zverev Roger Federer

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