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FedEx fights back to set up final date with Del Potro
INDIAN WELLS: World No. 1 Roger Federer extended his season win streak to 17 matches, booking his spot in the Indian Wells Masters final by rallying past Borna Coric 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.
The Swiss superstar survived a stern test from world No. 49 Coric but managed to hold on for a 17-0 record this year, surpassing his prior career-best calendar year start in 2006 when he opened with 16 wins.
“It took a while to get the record,” Federer said.
“But I’m happy. It was just a fighting match ... it didn’t come easy, so I had to go get it.
“I got a little bit lucky. I hung tough and put a lot of effort into it to get the record.
“The focus has to be the finals right now. “But it’s nice to get off to a good start this year and I hope I can play well again tomorrow.”
The defending champion will be aiming for a record sixth Indian Wells title when he squares off against world No. 8 Juan Martin Del Potro in the championship match.
The 36-year-old Federer said he had to draw on every ounce of experience and mental toughness to pull out the match.
“Margins are slim at the top of the game,” he said. “And I have been there so many times.
“You just hope to take the right decisions along the way and then it ends up falling your way.
“But for that you need to have a very positive mindset.
“You need to be match-tough, you need to be confident, have experience and I think I have a bit of all of that right now.”
Down a set and trailing 4-2 in the second, Federer had to claw his way back from the brink of defeat.
In the third set he fell behind again 4-3 but won the final 11 points of the match to claim the victory.
Federer clinched the match when Coric hit a shot wide.
The ball was called out but Coric challenged and after the video review the original call was confirmed.
“Borna was incredibly steady,” Federer said. “Those 10 minutes when I was down a set and a break it was hard for me to accept.
“I got a bit lucky. It was a good match.”