Federer defeats del Potro in epic to reach Olympic final; faces Murray in Wimbledon rematch
August 3, 2012 · Print This Article
Olympic Games—London, England
Top seed Roger Federer secured the first medal for Switzerland during the 2012 Olympic Games by defeating Juan Martin del Potro in the longest three set singles match in the Open Era, 3-6, 7-6(5), 19-17.
Needing four hours and 26 minutes to prevail, Federer smacked 24 aces and 64 winners to improve his head-to-head with the Argentine to 13-2. Grabbing his sixth straight win over del Potro this year, Federer was broken at love when serving for the match at 10-9, but made good on his second match point at 18-17 after del Potro netted a backhand up-the-line.
Kissing the Swiss flag on his shirt after his victory, Federer consoled an emotional del Potro at the net with a meaningful hug.
Aiming to win his first Gold Medal in singles during the best of five-set final on Sunday, Federer will next face Andy Murray.
Murray was much more efficient on his home turf in dismissing former Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic, 7-5, 7-5 later in the day.
Needing two hours and two breaks of serve to prevail, Murray never lost his serve against the five-time slam winner. With the win, Murray improved to 6-8 against Djokovic in lifetime meetings and ensured at least a silver medal for his country.
Murray and Federer are currently locked at eight wins a piece in their career head-to-head. Federer has won the last three meeting, all in finals.
The men’s final is set to take place on Sunday. The bronze medal match between Djokovic and del Potro will also take place on Sunday.
get some rest fed….gold medal celebration tomorrow…silver for andy