Defending champion John Isner powered his way to the semifinals of the WTA and ATP Miami Open as Roberto Bautista Agut, who sent World No.1 Novak Djokovic crashing out in the previous round, was seen off 7-6(1), 7-6(5) here on Wednesday.
Isner, who is yet to drop a set, will face Canadian teen sensation Felix Auger-Aliassime in the last four. The 18-year-old became the youngest ever Miami semifinalist after seeing off World No. 13 Borna Coric 7-6(3) 6-2.
“It feels surreal to get this far, especially as I came through qualifying,” said Auger-Aliassime.
Federer prepared himself for a barrage of Kevin Anderson big serves after the Swiss superstar sealed his place in the quarterfinals.
Federer, celebrating 20 years at this tournament, edged closer to his fourth title as the up-and-coming Russian Daniil Medvedev was swatted aside 6-4, 6-2.
Next up for the 20-time Grand Slam-winning legend is the South African World No. 7 who famously beat the 37-year-old at Wimbledon in 2018 over five dramatic sets.
Bopanna exits in doubles
India’s Rohan Bopanna, partnering Denis Shapovalov, was bounced out of the doubles quarterfinals following a 6-3, 6-4 win by the third-seeded Bryan twins Mike and Bob.
In the women’s draw, Simona Halep moved closer to reclaiming her World No. 1 crown after a well-executed 6-4, 7-5 triumph over China’s Wang Qiang.
The results: Quarterfinals: John Isner bt Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6(1), 7-6(5); Felix Auger-Aliassime bt Borna Coric 7-6(3), 6-2. Fourth round: Roger Federer bt Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-2. Doubles: Quarterfinals: Mike & Bob Bryan (USA) bt Rohan Bopanna & Denis Shapovalov 6-3,6-4.
Women: Quarterfinals: Simona Halep bt Wang Qiang 6-4, 7-5; Karolina Pliskova bt Marketa Vondrousova 6-3, 6-4.