Roger Federer vs Hyeon Chung Australian Open: Federer into 30th Grand Slam final after Chung retires

Roger Federer entered the final of Australian Open 2018 after his opponent in the semi-final Hyeon Chung retires.

By: Express Web Desk | Melbourne | Updated: January 26, 2018 3:26 pm
Roger federer australian open Roger Federer will face Marin Cilic in the final. (Reuters Photo)

Roger Federer reached yet another final of a Grand Slam on Friday when he got an easy win over Hyeon Chung of Korea in the semi-finals of Australian Open. Chung retired during the semi-final trailing 1-6 2-5 in a match that was an hour old. He was forced to retire due to a foot problem and that gave Federer a spot in the final where he will defend his title against Marin Cilic on Sunday. The 36-year-old has been brilliant in this tournament and has not given any chance to his opponents. It was the case on Friday as well against Chung. Federer showed a combination of skills and experience against Chung and looked in complete control of the match. In the first set, he displayed his power, composure and some beautiful shots down the line to which Chung had no answers. Towards the end of the first set, Chung began to struggle and looked uncomfortable. In the second set, he barely had answer to Federer’s shots. He decided to retire in the second set. Federer, the all-time leading Grand Slam title winner, will look to add another one on Sunday. If he does so, it will be his 20th title and he will become the first man to do so. Overall, he will be the fourth player after Margaret Court, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams to win over 20 titles or more.

Roger Federer vs Hyeon Chung Australian Open 2018 Semi-Final: 03:05 pm IST: ROGER FEDERER IS INTO HIS 30th GRAND SLAM FINAL! Chung retires with a foot problem giving Federer the spot in the final. He will face Marin Cilic in the final. Chung was trailing 1-6 2-5 in the match which was just over an hour old!

02:55 pm IST: Federer wasted two game points but then holds the serve with an ace! Brilliant from the Swiss. He takes a 4-1 lead in the second set against Chung. This is looking too easy for him.

02:47 pm IST: Federer continues from the first set itself. A hold for Chung as well but with two holds, Federer has taken a 2-1 lead in the second set as well. He is using his experience against Chung

02:39 pm IST: Federer does it in style! He takes no time in winning the first set 6-1 against a nervy Chung. No sweat broken by the defending champ in Melbourne. All set for the second set now

02:35 pm IST: Federer has had five set points in the first set but Chung has managed to deuce it every time. Can Federer convert the sixth one?

02:25 hrs IST: A hold from Federer and then he betters it with a break. Chung should have expected this. Federer has raced to a 4-1 lead against Chung in the first set and looks in complete control here

02:20 hrs IST: A hold for Chung! He has done well to get this hold against Federer and he opens account on the board. Federer still leads 2-1 in the first set

02:18 pm IST: It was in the second game but Roger Federer stays calm to take the advantage and then the game. He is leading 2-0 early in this set. Brilliant stuff from Federer.

02:10 pm IST: Roger Federer breaks Chung in the first serve! Some stunning rallies but Federer makes it look too easy. Brilliant play. He leads 1-0 in the first set.

Federer and Chung all set to begin their semi-final Melbourne. Can he reach the final? This is going to be his test against a young and fresh Chung

This will be another big game for Federer. He cannot take Chung lightly as he is in his best form. A match with Cilic would be a great final.

Roger Federer is chasing history in Melbourne. He is up against Hyeon Chung of Korea for spot in the final of Australian Open. Marin Cilic has already reached the final.

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