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[Vibhu batra]

Andy Murray stopped the progress of World No. 1 Roger Federer by winning 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-final of Shanghai Rolex Masters, 2012.

Andy Murray on course for his third successive Shanghai Masters had to face stiff resistance not only from the World No. 1 Roger Federer, but also majority of fans present during their match who were cheering for Federer & also the Rain Gods.



But, in spite of all this, Murray produced a great display of some amazing scintillating returns to upset Federer.



1st set ::




It all began with a first game break of Federer's break. Thou, Federer recovered to break Murray's game in the very next game.



Federer again faced break points in the next game but managed to save those.



Clearly, Federer's service which is always one of his biggest weapons was looking completely off today.



In the 5th game, Federer served 3 double faults, a thing which has never been seen before (at least by me).



Federer lost that game & this break was sufficient for Murray to wrap up the set 6-4.

As the first set stats will show you :::;

Clearly, it was those double faults by Federer that costed him the first set.

More to follow.

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[Vibhu batra]

The 2nd set :::




The 2nd set was full of drama. The first service game by Federer saw two blistering returns by Murray which gave him a break point.


Thou, Fed managed to save it, but again a blistering return by Murray gave him another break point.



This series continued till about Federer saved 6th break point on his serve.



After Murray got the 7th break point of the game, but, then all of a sudden, rain started falling & there was a 7 minute rain delay..




After that 7 minute rain delay, came the point of tournament & here is the video of that --------

Can any words describe this point of the match? Federer's smile after the point said it all..

This game lasted 18.30 minutes & Federer finally managed to hold after saving 7 break points.

The next 3 games went on serve & in the 5th game, Federer was leading 40-0 when all of a sudden, three blistering returns by Murray gave him the advantage & he broke Federer in this game to get a decisive 3-2 lead.

In between, the whole crowd was cheering for Federer & even during challenges, were shouting as if to suggest Hawk Eye what they want the ball to do .

The next 4 games went on serve & when Murray was to serve on 5-4, all of a sudden Rain started falling very hard.

It took 36 minutes for the roof to fully come on & finally, Murray finished out the match as Federer netted & Murray won the set 6-4 & match 6-4, 6-4.

As the overall match stats will show you -------

The clear difference between the two were ::

(i) Federer's service was totally off as you can see from the 1st serve percentages & double faults.

(ii) Murray's amazing returns & passing shots.

(iii) Thou, Federer's net play was impressive but back at the court, Murray won nearly the double of points & that played a decisive role in the outcome.

(iv) At times, Federer's movement & foot-work looked a bit sluggish, that's totally understandable after playing your 4th match in as many days.

Murray's next match is the final of Shanghai Masters vs Novak Djokovic.

While Roger Federer next tournament is his home town Swiss Indoors, Basel an ATP-500 tournament.

[Vibhu batra]

Here are the highlights from the match --------------

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One more highlights video ------------

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This is what Roger Federer said in the post match presser ::::::





Sometimes you're just happy playing. Some people, some media unfortunately don't understand that it's okay just to play tennis and enjoy it. They always think you have to win everything, it always needs to be a success story, and if it's not obviously what is the point. Maybe you have to go back and think, Why have I started playing tennis? Because I just like it. It's actually sort of a dream hobby that became somewhat of a job. Some people just don't get that ever."

[Vibhu batra]

For ATP Ranking scenarios post Shanghai Masters, 2012, see this detailed commentary ----

http://www.rogerfede...i-masters-2012/

[penabaza]

Honestly, haven't seen one single video yet with the highlights ... checked the pictures and I think I've seen enough
Don't know if I should be thankful, that I was stuck at work.
Well, Roger will travel home soon get right on track and will be ready for Basel. That's all that matters now.

[Roger Federer Fans]

here are a few pics from the match

[Roger Federer Fans]

[Roger Federer Fans]

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Federer changing his shirt during the match -----

[Roger Federer Fans]

Federer changing his shirt during the match -----

[Roger Federer Fans]

[Roger Federer Fans]

Here is a video of Federer's post match presser ------------

[Roger Federer Fans]

some more pics of Roger Federer from Shanghai ----------

[Anna]

Even, I couldn't see the match. I always felt that may be, Roger should have skipped Shanghai as travelling all the way to China then to Basel will be tough, but as he said, playing is more important to him. So, its okay, win or loss doesn't matter.


Hope, he rests well & comes back fresher and stronger. Allez.

[Anna]

Thou, this point of the match is really-2 impressive, I will keep this in mind and the way, Roger smiled, he looked like a lil baby smiling