Roger Federer’s quest for a record sixth US Open title is still very much alive after thrashing Richard Gasquet in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. The 17-time Grand Slam champion will look to book a place in the final this coming Friday when he takes on the ever-dangerous Stan Wawrinka.
Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this blockbuster matchup and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the other semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic.
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Roger Federer vs. Stan Wawrinka Betting Preview
Where: Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows, New York
Roger Federer secured his 10th US Open semifinal with an emphatic 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 win over Richard Gasquet on Arthur Ashe Stadium. It was a dominating performance from the Swiss maestro who needed just one hour and 27 minutes to record the straight-sets win.
[sc:Other240banner ]Federer, who improved to 15-2 against Gasquet, blasted 50 winners and committed just 21 unforced errors. What proved to be the difference in the match, however, was his excellent serve. Federer won 87 percent of his first serve points on Wednesday. Federer has been dominant on serve through his first five matches here at Flushing Meadows, saving nine of 11 break points faced while averaging 82 percent first serve points won.
Next up for Federer is a semifinal clash with Stan Wawrinka. The 34-year-old will fancy his chances against the reigning French Open champion as he has won 16 of his 19 previous matches against Wawrinka. Federer is a perfect 11-0 against his compatriot on the hard courts .
For Federer to extend his dominance against Wawrinka, he needs to continue his aggressive style of play in the semifinals. He won 23 of his 28 net points against Gasquet in the previous round. Federer has won 70.4 percent (88-of-125) of his total net points in the entire tournament thus far.
Stan Wawrinka barged into the semifinals of the US Open with a convincing 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 victory over Kevin Anderson on Wednesday. It was an impressive performance from the 30-year-old who needed just one hour and 47 minutes to record the straight-sets victory.
Key to Wawrinka’s victory was his excellent return. Wawrinka won 44% of his receiving points against Anderson with the Swiss star converting five of his eight break point chances. He also found some success in his occasional forays to the net, winning seven of his nine points there. With the win, Wawrinka is through to the semifinals of the US Open for just the second time in his career.
Things are bound to get tougher, though, for Wawrinka as standing in his way in the next round is the five-time US Open champion Roger Federer. He is 3-16 in his career against Federer. Wawrinka will take comfort in the fact, however, that he defeated Federer in straight sets in their last meeting at the French Open last April.
For Wawrinka to record a major shock against Federer, he needs to continue his highly-efficient play. He committed just 15 unforced errors in the win against Anderson. He also uncorked 25 winners in that quarterfinal match.
Wawrinka is 7-3 in his last 10 matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Federer (-360) edges past Wawrinka in a five-set thriller.
