Roger Federer’s preparation for an attempt at recapturing the Australian Open title gathered momentum as he reached the semifinals in defence of his title at the Qatar Open on Thursday.
The world number one from Switzerland showed signs of developing rhythm and improving movement during a 6-4, 6-3 win over Marcos Baghdatis, the first Cypriot to compete on the ATP Tour.
”I’m pleased with the way I played,” said Federer. ”He’s a good player and a tough one to beat. This was a dangerous match, I thought. From the start I knew that, and to get through comfortably is a good sign.
”I played well at the big moments, which gave me confidence, and I had the feeling that I’m serving good, and the movement is still holding up. My basic game could be a little bit better at times, but I am pleased with the way it is right now.”
Though Federer still played with his right ankle strapped, he several times moved smartly to project inside-out forehand drives from the backhand side, and once hit a spectacular backhand smash while moving rapidly backwards for a top-spin lob.
There were, however, times when the champion appeared to coast, though he clearly tried to increase the pressure when Baghdatis was serving to save the first set at 4-5.
During this phase, Federer berated himself loudly when he failed to convert two set points, calling himself an ”idiot”, though it delayed the breakthrough only briefly.
Baghdatis nevertheless proved himself a speedy mover, capable of counter-attacking from anywhere, and once launched a first serve so fast that it struck a line judge on the head.
However, another well-timed push by Federer near the end of the second set brought a similar outcome to the first, and he finished the match with a neatly angled net attack and an expression of satisfaction.
Federer will next play Tommy Haas, the former world number two from Germany who beat him in the Sydney Olympics, and who again suggested that he may be revitalising his career.
The United States-based German beat Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny 6-4 6-0, increasingly outplaying an opponent ranked two places above him with a dashing and impressively heavyweight performance.
It followed Haas’s well-deserved win the previous day over Britain’s Tim Henman, and suggested that changes in his private life, coaching arrangements and fitness levels are having a significant effect on his game.
It was often hard to believe that Haas’s ranking is down at 46, not only because of the pace of his serving and the force of his ground stroking, particularly off the backhand, but also because of the intensity of his commitment.
It was during the winter break that Haas finally got over the after-effects of treading on a ball in a warm-up at the US Open and bizarrely damaging an ankle.
It was during that time that he formed a new association with Swedish coach Thomas Hogstedt. Two days ago, he broke from his relationship with Danish model Giulia Siegel.
Haas is determined to make the best of what remains, at the age of 27, of a once-promising career.
He even thinks he could beat Federer again.
”I’m happy he does,” responded Federer with a half-smile. ”If he didn’t think that, there would be no need to play.” — Sapa-AFP