Roger Federer has advanced to the 14th Swiss Indoors final of his career by beating seventh-seeded Daniil Medvedev 6-1 6-4.
Seeking a ninth title at his hometown event, and a 99th overall, Federer will play world No.93 Marius Copil on Sunday.
Federer dominated the world No.20 and had his first match-point chance to break serve again at 5-1 on Saturday.
He then dropped his serve to love, and let another match point slip in Medvedev’s next service game by netting a backhand.
He clinched on his fourth chance when Medvedev netted from the baseline.
Copil upset expectations of a Federer final against Alexander Zverev in a 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-4 win over the German world No.5 in the earlier semi-final.
The Romanian is aiming for a first title after arriving at Basel without a career win over a top 10 opponent. Copil has two after also beating No. 6 Marin Cilic in the second round.
Copil fired 26 aces past Zverev and never dropped serve, clinching after two and a half hours with a forehand volley winner to break Zverev for the second time in the semi-final.
He came through two rounds of qualifying last weekend to reach the Basel main draw, including beating Zverev’s older brother, Mischa.
Federer had an easier time than in his only previous match against Medvedev, a three-setter at Shanghai two weeks ago.
Seeking a ninth title at his hometown event, and a 99th overall, Federer will play world No.93 Marius Copil on Sunday.
Federer dominated the world No.20 and had his first match-point chance to break serve again at 5-1 on Saturday.
He then dropped his serve to love, and let another match point slip in Medvedev’s next service game by netting a backhand.
He clinched on his fourth chance when Medvedev netted from the baseline.
Copil upset expectations of a Federer final against Alexander Zverev in a 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-4 win over the German world No.5 in the earlier semi-final.
The Romanian is aiming for a first title after arriving at Basel without a career win over a top 10 opponent. Copil has two after also beating No. 6 Marin Cilic in the second round.
Copil fired 26 aces past Zverev and never dropped serve, clinching after two and a half hours with a forehand volley winner to break Zverev for the second time in the semi-final.
He came through two rounds of qualifying last weekend to reach the Basel main draw, including beating Zverev’s older brother, Mischa.
Federer had an easier time than in his only previous match against Medvedev, a three-setter at Shanghai two weeks ago.