Defending champion Federer put a disappointing U.S Open behind him by defeating in-form Russian Daniil Medvedev 6-4 4-6 6-4 to reach the last-16 at the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday.
The World No.2 survived a massive scare as Medvedev pulled off some remarkable shots, including one labelled a ‘miracle’ in the second set.
Medvedev produced a lunging volley off a Federer forehand pass, sending the ball over the net and then spinning back onto his side of the court.
“Unbelievable!” one commentator said. “A miracle from Medvedev.”
Federer looked completely gobsmacked by the winner, applauding his young rival for the effort.
The 37-year-old Swiss served out the match in just under two hours to keep hopes of a third Shanghai title alive.
“I was able to mix it up. Really also took some chances, serve and volley, second serve,” the top-seeded Federer said.
“In the third set, I really started to figure it out, as well, how aggressive or how tactical I wanted to make the match. And by trying everything, I found a solution at the end, which was a great feeling to have.”
Federer will next face Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, who beat American Mackenzie McDonald 3-6 6-4 6-1.
Fourth seed Alexander Zverev edged one step closer to qualifying for next month’s ATP Finals after a hard-fought 7-5 6-4 win over in-form Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili.
The 21-year-old German fought off a cold and showed great confidence to wrap up the victory at the Qi Zhong Stadium.
“I played an opponent who has a lot of confidence,” Zverev said. “Obviously he’s playing the best tennis of his life, winning in Beijing, and obviously he had a very good match yesterday, as well.
The win didn’t come without controversy as an aggressive fist pump from the World No. 5 had a young ball boy rocking back in fear. He seemed to have no idea what was going through Alexander Zverev’s mind after the 21-year-old claimed a crucial point over opponent Nicoloz Basilashvili.
Zverev is playing in Shanghai without his coach, Ivan Lendl, who was in Beijing last week. Lendl flew back to the United States to have wrist surgery, which Zverev said was caused by playing too much golf. Lendl is due to return to the tour before the end of the season.
Argentine Juan Martin del Potro overcame a slow start to outlast France’s Richard Gasquet 7-5 7-6(7).
The third seed won four straight games from 3-5 down in the opening set before recovering from a 2-6 deficit in the second set tiebreak to set up a third-round meeting with Croatian Borna Coric.
“It wasn’t easy to play for me today,” said del Potro, who reached the China Open final last week. “I did what I can. I didn’t run too much. But I think I played with all my strength in the important moment of the match. “I would love to feel better,” he added. “I have been talking with the doctors every day.”
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