FEDERER VS ISTOMIN
Roger faced Denis Istomin in the 3rd Rd, started well with a break to lead 3-0 but got broken back to level the match. At 15-30 5-5, rain was starting to pour down and the match was delayed for half an hour. When play resumed, Roger had to save two break points but quickly found momentum and broke Istomin to take the first set 7-5.

Once again, Roger took a 3-0 lead in the 2nd set but this time Istomin failed to make any impression on his return games and Roger comfortably won the match 7-5 6-3. 

Pleasing to see Roger win the match in straight sets after having to save two BPs at 5-5 in the first, obviously this will give him more confidence for the next rounds.

“It was tough,” said Federer. “A very difficult first set. I was happy with the way that I was able to turn it around. Denis, I thought, played a very good first set. I didn’t play poorly to let him back into the match. In the second set, I guess I learned from the first set and was able to bring it home.” 

FEDERER VS ISNER
I was looking forward to this match, definitely a good test for Roger to play John Isner. Isner had actually beaten Roger in the Davis Cup singles rubber earlier this year and Roger got revenge in the final of Indian Wells, taking the title 7-6 6-3. I was predicting a similar scoreline for this match because Isner is one of the best servers today and getting a break off him isn't easy. So whoever was to come out of this match on top is going to go into the next round with a lot confidence.

Both players were holding their service games until at 4-4, Roger finally broke on his third break point opportunity. In the next game he faced a break point but saved it en route to taking the first set 6-4.

The break Roger got at 4-4 was really important because because it was the only one he got for the rest of the match. The second went into a tiebreaker and the two traded mini breaks until Roger finally won the match with a lucky shot that hit the net cord.

A really solid match from Roger, he returned pretty well and only faced one break point the whole match. He will face Del Potro next, who has a pretty fast serve as well and hits powerful groundstrokes so Roger will have to raise his game slightly in the semifinals. Del Potro seems to be on good form so far this tournament so I think Roger may drop a set if he backs off the slightest. I think the first set will decide the match winner so I predict Roger to win 7-6 7-6.

“I think I am playing my best,” said Federer. “I don’t know if I can play a whole lot better. Overall, I’m extremely happy. Obviously, being in the medal matches, at least I’ll get two shots. That’s why I looked at this match as a final. You can imagine the relief and happiness I feel right now."