Roger Federer Blasts Past Denis Shapovalov To Reach Miami Open Final

Roger Federer won a battle of the ages on Friday, beating 19-year-old Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-2, 6-4 in the semi-finals of the Miami Open. Federer, a three-time tournament champion, advanced to the final on Sunday against defending champion John Isner. The age gap with Shapovalov was the largest of the 37-year-old Federer’s career. In the end experience triumphed. Federer used a wide array of shotmaking to take control with two early breaks, and he lost only eight points on his serve. ‘It was a tactical match by me,’ Federer said. ‘I’m happy I was able to play with variations.’ Shapovalov will climb to a career-best No 20 in the rankings. ‘Denis is a great player,’ Federer said, ‘and he will be even better in the future.’ Federer, seeded fourth, improved to 17-2 this year. He lost in this month’s Indian Wells final to Dominic Thiem. Like Federer, Isner advanced by beating a Canadian teenager, 18-year-old qualifier Felix Auger-Aliassime, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4). Next is a Sunday showdown in the Miami Dolphins’ stadium, where the tournament moved this year from its longtime home of Key Biscayne. ‘The venue is absolutely fantastic,’ said Isner, a big football fan. ‘To play in the stadium – the Super Bowl will be here next year – it’s pretty amazing.’ Federer is 5-2 against Isner, but they haven’t played each other since 2015. Isner, now 33, won his only ATP Masters title a year ago on Key Biscayne. Photo credit: Getty

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