STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Top-seeded Roger Federer cruised in the tiebreakers to beat German qualifier Florian Mayer 7-6 (2), 7-6 (1) for a place in the Mercedes Cup semifinals on Friday.
Federer struggled in some parts of the match but was at his best when most needed. He saved a set point to force the second tiebreaker, and fired a powerful forehand to clinch the match.
“I am very happy to have made it two sets,” Federer said.
His next opponent will be rising star and third-seeded Dominic Thiem, who beat him in the third round of the Italian Open before Federer went on a month-long break that included the French Open because of a back injury.
Thiem, from Austria, came from behind to beat Mikhail Youzhny of Russia 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Federer fired 15 aces to gain his 1,072nd win on the tour, surpassing Ivan Lendl for second place in the Open era behind Jimmy Connors with 1,256.
“It’s crucial to serve well in a tiebreaker,” Federer said. Two months shy of his 35th birthday,…
