NEW YORK, (Reuters) – Roger Federer destroyed David Goffin 6-2 6-2 6-0 yesterday to reach the U.S. Open quarter-finals and keep his bid for a record-extending 21st Grand Slam title alive.
The Swiss third seed fired 35 winners and 10 aces to see off the outclassed Belgian in a speedy 80 minutes on a sunny day at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 38-year-old Federer was at his best when it mattered most, converting nine of his 10 break point opportunities to set up a meeting with Grigor Dimitrov tomorrow.
The only drama came early when Goffin, seeded 15th, broke Federer to take a 2-1 lead in the first set but the Swiss broke back in the next game and cruised to the finish line.
“Sometimes these scores just happen,” Federer told reporters.
“You catch a good day, the opponent doesn’t, then things happen very quickly.
“I found my groove after a while and was able to roll really. Never looked back. David wasn’t nearly as good as I expected him to be. He was struggling a little bit today. I was able to take advantage of it, and I think that’s the key.”
Goffin was downbeat after his ninth loss in 10 matches against Federer.
“I gave completely,” Goffin told reporters.
“Of course he was great, but I gave the whole match. It’s tough to say. But, yeah, probably my worst match against him.”
