Coric upsets Federer, will face Djokovic in Shanghai final
SHANGHAI — Borna Coric upset defending champion Roger Federer to face Novak Djokovic in the Shanghai Masters final on Sunday.
Coric earned passage to the final by taking down the topseeded Federer 6-4, 6-4 in the semifinals on Saturday. “It was one of the best matches of my life,” Coric said. Coric said neck pain almost caused him to skip playing in Shanghai.
“Today, really, I just came on the court with absolutely no pressure. I basically didn’t care, and that’s why I played so good.”
The Croatian gave himself a third career shot at Djokovic. In their previous meetings, Coric failed to take a set off of Djokovic.
The soon-to-be-No. 2-ranked Djokovic booked a final appointment after crushing No. 5 Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-1.
Coric finished off Federer in style with the final two points an ace and a sizzling forehand crosscourt winner.
Coric didn’t offer Federer a break point opportunity, while managing to break Federer’s serve in the opening game of both sets. In all, Federer presented Coric with seven beak point possibilities.
“He had more punch on the ball. He served better,” Federer said. “I got off to a bad start in both sets. That combination is plenty here in Shanghai with fast conditions.”
Federer has won three titles this year — the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Stuttgart — but all of them were earned before the start of Wimbledon in July.
Federer was asked several times Saturday about his schedule for the remainder of the year, as well as for next year. He said he couldn’t offer any specifics but did offer a guarantee regarding 2019.
“I wish I could tell you all these answers, but I really don’t know. But I will play tennis next year, yes,” he said.