TENNIS Live

French Open - Semi-finals - Men

Nationality Player Set 1 Set 2 Set 3 Set 4 Set 5
SwitzerlandR Federer37266
ArgentinaJ Del Potro66614

386 comments - Leave a comment

Roger Federer

Nationality SUI
Date of Birth 08/08/1981
Height 1.85 m
Weight 85 kg

Juan Martin Del Potro

Nationality ARG
Date of Birth 23/09/1988
Height 1.98 m
Weight 82 kg
 

Live Comments

  1. - - Well didn't the fans get their money's worth today? Two great finals. Remember to visit our French Open page for news, views, reactions, draws, video highlights, our top five French Open finals of all time - the LOT! Just click here

  2. 4-6 - GAME SET AND MATCH FEDERER!!!! He holds to 15 in the final game to earn the victory. His forehand - which has been superb in the second half of this match - provided the last two winners. Roger Federer faces Robin Soderling in the final - a man who he has only ever dropped one set to in nine previous meetings. The crowd go nuts!

  3. 4-5 - DEL POTRO SAVES MATCH POINT - Del Potro races out to a 40-0 lead but some superb returning and a double fault on 40-30 sees that lead decimated. Another great return that Del Potro can only fire into the net brings up MATCH POINT but Federer can't convert and Del Potro then serves out the game to put the pressure back on Federer.

  4. 3-5 - Federer holds to 30 - Del Potro still fighting and a forehand down the line to make it 15-15 was immense but he looks tired too and Federer is now just ONE GAME AWAY.

  5. 3-4 - FEDERER BREAKS BACK! So cruel on Del Potro - a gliding forehand by Federer put him 0-40 in front but Del Potro then played three textbook points in a row to level it 40-40. However, he then goes and concedes another break point and this time DOUBLE FAULTS. What a time for an error like that!

  6. 3-3 - DEL POTRO BREAKS!!!!! What a game - WHAT A MATCH! Where has the Argentine found this from? Two superb returns helped him go 0-30 in front and then a gem of a lob made it 15-40. Federer saved the first break point but then Del Potro bosses another point and forces Federer to fire wide. Epic stuff here and it is all up for grabs again.

  7. 2-3 - Del Potro has definitely sorted his game out as he peppers to the Federer backhand in that game to earn a hold but he is having to play well because Federer is looking SUPERB now. Has he been getting training from David Blaine or something? Because he is levitating around the court at the moment and producing some superb winners. It only gets him to 40-40 here though but still a joy to watch.

  8. 1-3 - Del Potro is starting to find a second wind and gets to 40-40 but then Federer plays two great points in a row with the winning point being a jump out of the seat moment as Federer glides to a ball he had no right to get to before guiding it home for a winner.

  9. 1-2 - Del Potro wins his first game in a very long time but again the play went to deuce as Federer remains the much more energised player. Del Potro sort of trudges back to his seat to try and gather his thoughts. He needs to hope Federer gets tight with the finishing line in site.

  10. 0-2 - Very significant hold from Federer as he comes back from 0-30 down to take the game with another gem of a forehand down the line. That really could be the final nail in Del Potro's coffin.

  11. 0-1 - FEDERER BREAKS!!! Dominant stuff with the forehand sees him earn another break point and then great defensive play on the next point sees him earn his sixth game in a row. Chants of "Roger, Roger" from the Parisian crowd. They want it to be his year and it looks like the dream is still very much alive.

  12. - - This is only the fourth time Del Potro has ever gone to four sets.

  13. - - Want to watch the final set LIVE? Well then just sign up for the Eurosport Player where you will be able to watch both finals too. Sign up here

  14. 1-6 - Two aces in a row wrap up another service hold to love and Federer has levelled the match again. He goes off for a bathroom break before the decider.

  15. 1-5 - DOUBLE BREAK FOR FEDERER: It seems that Del Potro has tanked this set. He double faults on the second break point of the game and he looks like a beaten man at the moment. He needs to remind himself he is actually still in front in this match. But Federer can sense a kill here and is really looking in good shape.

  16. 1-4 - Federer beginning to boss now - he holds to love and seems to be gliding around the court while for the first time Del Potro is looking a little leggy.

  17. 1-3 - FEDERER BREAKS!!! The slice drop has worked very well for Federer today and he catches out Del Potro out twice with that shot in this game. The second brings up a break point and Federer converts as Del Potro goes long. This epic match has taken another turn.

  18. 1-2 - Excellent serving from Federer seems him hold to 15. Both players are playing at a very high level and any little drop from either player could see them buried. It is very tense out there but also very exciting.

  19. 1-1 - Another big hold from Del Potro as he saves what was only Federer's third break point of the match. He really had to motor to get to an attempted Federer drop on that point. More solid play though eventually sees him take the game although Federer did at least find some winners in that game to give him some confidence.

  20. 0-1 - Federer holds in the opening game of the fourth set but not with any degree of confidence. He was 15-30 down and also had to play a couple of points at deuce before finally winning the game.

  21. - - What is Robin Soderling making of all this? Remember he beat Fernando Gonzalez in first semi. Read the report of that match here

  22. 6-2 - SET DEL POTRO - Federer cannot get any of the first three Del Potro serves in play and then Del Potro wraps up a service hold to love. Federer is in trouble here.

  23. 5-2 - DOUBLE BREAK FOR DEL POTRO - superb stuff on the break point to take control of the point with his forehand before finishing with a backhand. Some poor points by Federer though especially on 30-15 when he kept just hitting the ball back to Del Potro at the net when he had all the time in the world to guide an easy lob over him.

  24. 4-2 - Del Potro again shows massive guts to recover from 0-30 down to win a tough service game. It was a double fault that made it 0-30 too so you though that might have affected him but not a bit of it.

  25. 3-2 - Massive hold for Federer as he saves two break points to avoid going a double break behind. The key chance came on 30-40 when Del Potro came to the middle of the court for what looked like a crucial winner but he pushed his effort just wide.

  26. 3-1 - Federer gets to 30-30 again but Del Potro has produced some superb serving when he has really needed to. The only exception was the tie-break but he is back on course now.

  27. 2-1 - Federer gets his first game of the third set. Some quality stuff from Del Potro to get to 30 after being 40-0 down but not enough.

  28. 2-0 - Federer tries to draw Del Potro in on 40-30 but the big Argentine does it with no trouble to sweep home another winner.

  29. 1-0 - BREAK DEL POTRO: A few loose shots from Federer, including a forehand wide, sees Del Potro earn TWO BREAKS POINTS but he only needs one as a cross court shot from the Argentine flicks off the Federer racket for a winner. What a response to losing that tie break but very sloppy from Federer.

  30. 6-7 - (2-7) Del Potro goes long with the second of those set points and Federer has levelled the match and taken the momentum too.

  31. 6-6 - (1-6) Superb forehand winner from Federer gives him FIVE SET POINTS.

  32. 6-6 - (1-5) Del Potro again fires into the net this time with a backhand which hands a second mini-break to Federer. The Swiss then wins the next point too to lead 5-1 and the change over.

  33. 6-6 - (0-1) Massive roar from the crowd as Del Potro fires into the net on the opening point to give Federer a mini-break.

  34. 6-6 - Very interesting tie-break as Federer holds to 15 - both players are serving very well at the moment so this is a tough one to call.

  35. 6-5 - Excellent serving from Del Potro again - Federer won a good point to make it 15-15, the crowd got into it, but two big serves helped Del Potro make it 40-15 and then he produced again despite firing his first serve into the net. Federer will need to win this set on a tie break.

  36. 5-5 - Federer survives a little bit of a scare as he goes 0-30 down but he sorts his serve out and wins the next four points to keep this set very much in the balance. Massive couple of games coming up here. This set is becoming crucial.

  37. 5-4 - Federer fights back from 40-0 down to get it to 40-30 but then Del Potro plays a superb final point be taking control of things with his forehand before executing a lovely volley at the net to win the game.

  38. 4-4 - Well at the moment it looks like we are racing towards a tie break because neither player is able to cope with the others serve at the moment - Federer holds once again to love.

  39. 4-3 - Del Potro solid as a rock on his own serve though - a hold to love there and Federer just didn't get into any of the points there.

  40. 3-3 - Federer holds to 15 and has now won 12 of the last 13 points on his own serve. He is mixing up his serves well now - the highlight of the game was a beautiful slice drop off a kick serve.

  41. 3-2 - Great reactions from Federer sees him guide a forehand away for a winner but again that is his only point of the game as Del Potro keeps the points short on his own serve to wrap up another quick hold to 15.

  42. 2-2 - Two aces in a row wrap up a quick as you like service hold to love for Federer. Impressive stuff from Federer who is still looking to play himself back into this match.

  43. 2-1 - Quality deep ground strokes from Del Potro sees him push Federer from side to side before a cracking forehand winner moves him 40-15 in front. He then produce another big serve to wrap up another hold to 15. No signs of nerves getting to the young Argentine as of yet.

  44. 1-1 - Federer levels, and that is much better from the Swiss who fires two forehands down the line to beat the Argentine, and keep parity in this second set.

  45. 1-0 - Juan Martin Del Potro begins the second set with an unconvincing, but crucial, service hold, with Roger Federer desperately trying to make amends for his poor opening set. The Argentine is pushed into an extended deuce, but he keeps his composure to hold.

  46. - - As the players have a quick breather prior to the second set, take a look at the Roland Garros photo gallery by clicking here

  47. 6-3 - Del Potro clinches the first set against Roger Federer, breaking the world number two for a second time to love, and this could hardly be a more shocking start for the Swiss, who has not been on the pace at all.

  48. 5-3 - Del Potro races to 40-0 before Federer finds the line with a fine cross court pass, and the Argentine again extends his lead and moves to within a game of taking the first set.

  49. 4-3 - Federer holds his serve despite Del Potro battling valiantly to make a few inroads again, but the Swiss is still not looking as convincing as he would have hoped, not finding his first serve at all regularly.

  50. 4-2 - Del Potro holds his serve to consolidate the break, and Federer really has work to do if he is to haul himself back into the first set. The Argentine is serving with a solidity and conviction which is making it difficult to be broken.

  51. 3-2 - Astonishingly, Del Potro races to 0-40, racking up three break points on the Federer serve. The Swiss saves the first two with solid forehands cross court, but Del Potro seizes the initiative in winning the third to take a shock break!

  52. - - To read about why Roger Federer was feeling nervous in the lead up to this match, click here to access the article

  53. 2-2 - Del Potro again does well to hold his serve under pressure from 30-30, and the Argentine has showed good composure in staying resolute despite his opponent's advances.

  54. 1-2 - Federer holds serve again without even a moment for Del Potro to gather his thoughts. The Swiss looks utterly focused for this semi-final and has started very brightly indeed, with his serve working perfectly.

  55. 1-1 - Del Potro takes a tight 40-30 lead, before being passed down the line with a superb forehand from Federer. Credit to the Argentine, though, who comes through to level at 1-1.

  56. 0-1 - Federer holds with consummate ease as Del Potro is a passenger in the opening game of the match. The Swiss looks in an ominous mood, throwing the balls away with real confidence after serving the final point.

  57. 0-0 - Roger Federer wins the toss and elects to serve first in this second semi-final, and the Philippe Chatrier court is packed now.

  58. - - Federer bidding to reach his 19th Grand Slam final today. Click here to see the Swiss's profile

  59. - - French Open: Watch both men's semi-finals LIVE on British Eurosport and Eurosport HD (Sky 410/412, Virgin Media 521); Or alternatively on your PC via the Eurosport Player - - click on the link under the picture to subscribe

  60. - - Federer leads the pair's head-to head record 5-0, winning in Madrid this year on the only occasion on clay.

  61. - - World number two Roger Federer takes on fifth seed Juan Martin Del Potro for a place in the French Open men's final at Roland Garros.

ATP Standing 2009

Points
1 Roger Federer 10550 stay
2 Rafael Nadal 9205 stay
3 Novak Djokovic 8310 stay
4 Andrew Murray 7030 stay
5 Juan Martin Del Potro 6785 stay
6 Nikolay Davydenko 4930 stay
7 Andy Roddick 4410 stay
8 Robin Soderling 3410 up
9 Fernando Verdasco 3300 stay
10 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 2875 up

Full Table »

Comment 367 - 386 of 386

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  1. I am so glad that Federer is in the final. please God!­ let him win.
    He is the greatest player of all­ times.
    Deji

    From adedeji, on Sat 6 Jun 11:32AM

  2. THERES ONLY ONE ROGER FEDERER BEST PLAYER OF ALL TIME.­ HE IS TO GOOD... HOPE HE WINS THE FINAL HE SURELY­ DESERVES IT !!!

    From allygrima, on Fri 5 Jun 8:51PM

  3. Thank You JESUS for Federer.

    From Amaka, on Fri 5 Jun 8:51PM

  4. As for the french crowd, ils sont vraiment tintin you,­ very biased set of my friends.

    From Ndu, on Fri 5 Jun 8:12PM

  5. Hi Mon J, I can be funny you know, but come to think of­ it and if fair is fair to you, does he, Roger deserve­ the win?. This is actually what Djokovic did to Murray­ once, and where is he today?

    From Ndu, on Fri 5 Jun 8:11PM

  6. I have been Roggy's fan in a long time. But I­ honestly don't think he deserves this win. he did­ not play clean all through compared to his early­ champion years. i hope this is not a sign of­ desperation, trying to win at all cost.

    From Ndu, on Fri 5 Jun 8:07PM

  7. entertaining reporting from yahoo eurosport on the­ french open fed/porto semi's. thanks for making­ reading it better than watching nbc's delayed­ television coverage.

    From pi$$ed off!, on Fri 5 Jun 8:03PM

  8. 30 posts for the soderling match, 330 for federer. This­ is almost as biased as the french crowd.

    From webbski, on Fri 5 Jun 8:02PM

  9. he's totally back.........go fed!!!!!!!!!i believe­ in you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    From mikeladzenino16, on Fri 5 Jun 7:55PM

  10. The match ended at about 2:30 am, Saturday, here, in­ the Philippines.

    One more match.....

    From Mon, on Fri 5 Jun 7:55PM

  11. i think espn and nbc have a problem with federer thats­ why the game wasnt shown. f espn and nbc

    From ashraf a, on Fri 5 Jun 7:54PM

  12. THAT'S ROGER FEDERER THE GREAT!!!!! Nicely done MY­ MAN!!!!!
    but not an easy final, Robin's style of­ play is so close to Del potro, he hits the balss so­ hard near the baseline, just lokk forward to see what­ our smart guy will do with Rafa's conqueror.
    GO­ ROGER! best of wishes with you bro

    From pooyan g, on Fri 5 Jun 7:54PM

  13. I am so delighted for federrer. He is our man here in­ Nigeria from kola

    From ALEX, on Fri 5 Jun 7:52PM

  14. adefela1001, yeah, it was nerve-wracking. Especially­ when del Potro broke back in the final set to level the­ score at 3 all.

    From Mon, on Fri 5 Jun 7:52PM

  15. wow! what a great match!!!! del Potro will have a big­ future..its not his time yet....

    From villesm_11, on Fri 5 Jun 7:52PM

  16. Time and again.........the genious at­ work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    From Roger 15 Slams, on Fri 5 Jun 7:50PM

  17. I like del Potro as well. He's still very young.­ For sure he'll win a Grand Slam in the near future.­ He has improved a lot.

    From Mon, on Fri 5 Jun 7:50PM

  18. Time and again.........the genious at­ work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    From Roger 15 Slams, on Fri 5 Jun 7:49PM

  19. WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWW THAT­ WAS A GREAT ONE, BUT TAKE NOTE FEDERER SODERLIN IS NOT­ SOMEONE YOU ALLOW TO TAKE FIRST SET, I AM BEGING YOU­ KINDLY STOP THE HEART ATTACK GAME YOU ARE PLAYING IF­ YOU THINK YOU CAN MAKE SODERLIN TIRED THE WAY YOU DID­ TO DEL POTRO YOU ARE MAKING THE MISTAKE OF YOUR LIFE,­ SO TRY TO TAKE THE FIRST SET, IF POSSIBLE TAKE THE­ FIRST GAME TO TIE BREAK AND FINISH IT OFF, IF YOU LOSS­ THE FIRST SET TO SODERLIN YOU WILL BE IN BIG DANGER

    From stine147, on Fri 5 Jun 7:48PM

  20. congratulation roger. one more match 2 take the trophy.­ good luck 4 d final. great match for jm too. he played­ his best at rg. i hope he can improve in d future. what­ a talent. god bless u.

    From rinistefany, on Fri 5 Jun 7:48PM
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