Google News
In the clash of a former and future US Open champions, Andre Agassi defeated Roger Federer 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in the fourth round in 2001, securing the place in the semis after just an hour and 23 minutes. It was the first tournament for Roger after Gstaad in July, struggling with a groin injury since Wimbledon and needing six weeks off the court to recover and start competing again.
The more experienced player produced his best tennis when it mattered the most, repelling all nine break chances and stealing Roger's serve five times from six opportunities, taking 14 out of 15 most notable points to wrap up the victory in straight sets and stay on the title course.
After the match, Roger said he didn't make a good start and couldn't use his chances when he got them, which determined the winner. From the middle of the second set, the Swiss started to play better but it wasn't enough to make an impact, struggling a little bit with an arm injury as well and finishing his campaign in the fourth round.
"Andre started off playing very well. I didn't have the feeling I was playing terribly in the beginning; was simply one shot behind and missed too many strokes. I didn't serve as well as I did in my first matches and Andre put pressure on me; that made things very tough for me.
I'm always disappointed when I lose but I had my chances in the first two sets. At 4-1 down in the second, I started to climb back into the match a little bit but two sets were already gone and there was no chance for a comeback.
When I began to play better, the encounter was already over. I think it would have been a good match if I would have served well today, hitting only a couple of aces, which is disappointing. Also, my arm was sore, I felt it already against Schalken and that didn't help me either.
Still, I had the feeling in the second and third set that, when I served well, I felt I was in contention. Despite that, I missed too many chances and that's why he beat me in straight sets."