Roger Federer: Miami Open analyst reveals John Isner concern after Denis Shapovalov win
ROGER FEDERER might have been better suited to playing the Miami Open final just 24 hours after his win over Denis Shapovalov in the semi finals.
That’s the claim of Miami Open expert Daniela Hantuchova.
Federer swept past young Canadian Shapovalov - who has openly admitted he has long idolised the Swiss star - at the Hard Rock Stadium, winning 6-2, 6-4 in an emphatic display.
The 37-year-old is looking to bounce back from his loss in the Indian Wells final earlier this month and sets up a clash with home hope John Isner on the Miami hard courts.
American Isner is the defending champion at this tournament having claimed his maiden Masters 1000 success 12 months ago against Alexander Zverev.
The big-serving Isner is hoping to become the first man from his country to defend his title in Miami since the legendary Andre Agassi back in 2003 when he goes head-to-head with Federer for the eighth time on the tour in Sunday’s final.
And Hantuchova suspects that with the groove that world No 5 Federer has found himself in in Florida, he might have been better off playing the next day rather than having a 48-hour break.
Federer and Isner have not met since the 2015 Paris Masters, which the younger of the two veterans edged in the round of 16, and Hantuchova thinks this meeting will be much different to that match.
Ex-WTA star Hantuchova told Amazon Prime: “Of course [it will be different[]. They’re completely different players now.
I think it will be interesting how they will both handle that
“The improvement John has made in his game, winning most of the long rallies, not only relying on his serve, coming to the net at much better times.
“It’s going to be a completely different match-up.
“Also an interesting thing, I feel like it would have been better for Roger if they played the final tomorrow because it feels like he’s in such a good rhythm, every night playing at 7pm.
“So I think it will be interesting how they will both handle that and what kind of form they will show on Sunday.”
On facing Isner, Federer said in his post-match interview on court: “I know what to expect, that he will not miss many serves. He’s got an amazing serve, one of the best in the game forever.
“It’s really hard to play against him. I saved match point the last time I played against him at the Laver Cup, that was tough.
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“Big fan of his. I actually really enjoy watching him play. I know some guys don’t but I love it. I honestly love big servers.
“To watch them and see if they’re going to ace every second or third point. For me that’s exciting.
“It’s like a penalty shootout in soccer, it’s just in tennis. I quite enjoy it.
“For me I’ll be the goalie, I’ll try my very best. I’ll try to get as many balls back as possible and I hope we’ll play a good match.
“I’m excited to play John because he had a really tough match against Felix today, that was an awesome performance from him.”