Federer started a little haltingly, and was required to save two break points in his opening service game. PHOTO: AFP
The 18-year-old Croatian only reached the main draw as a lucky loser, but became the youngest player ever to reach the semi-finals with a crushing win over Andy Murray, the world number three.
But Federer taught the upstart a sharp lesson. His 6-2, 6-1 win took less than an hour, his ability to mix up the patterns with slices, pace changes and net rushes breaking up the rhythms of containment at which Coric previously excelled and making it more difficult to overcome a rookie’s tension.
“I remember when I played Andre Agassi when I was 17,” said Federer. “I was scared I would lose love and love and I won five games, and that’s how it goes. .”
Coric showed hints of humour to liven his disappointment. “I was watching him when I was six or seven and hoped I would one day play him,” he said. “I knew it would be difficult and there is more pressure than when you are watching on the sofa.”
Federer admitted that he knew little of his much younger opponent’s game, so he started cautiously. “I can see why he has caused difficulty for a lot of top guys,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2015.
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