Tennis: Federer schools Tiafoe. Will Del Potro come through in Basel?

Roger Federer gave Frances Tiafoe a master class in tennis with a 6-1, 6-3 thumping in Basel, Switzerland.

Tiafoe had troubled Federer at the US Open this year

Tiafoe had troubled Federer at the US Open and extended him to five sets there. However, Roger Federer was amply prepared and injury free this time around and sailed his way into the next round without losing his serve. Federer’s serve was on song, and he won every point upon landing his first serve and did not give a break point opportunity to Frances Tiafoe. It was important for Federer to win the match in straight sets and preserve his energy and strength for the later rounds.

With this win, Federer improved his head-to-head record to 3-0 against Tiafoe. Roger will face the mercurial talent Benoit Paire in the next round. Their head-to-head record is 4-0 in favor of Roger, and there’s no reason why it should not be 5-0 after the match.

David Goffin and Dennis Shapovalov also advance in Basel

David Goffin beat Peter Gojowczyk of Germany 6-2, 7-5, and if the seeds hold Federer could meet Goffin in the semifinals later this week. However, David Goffin would have to beat Jack Sock, who beat Vasek Pospisil 3-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5, to reach to Federer and Roger would need to take down the very talented Dennis Shapovalov to reach the semifinals.

A semifinal match between Marin Cilic and Del Potro is possible

In the other half of the draw Marin Cilic also came through Florian Mayer who retired after the first set. Cilic could meet Del Potro in the semifinals if both live up to their ranking here.

Juan Martin Del Potro is lined up to play Joao Sousa on Wednesday. Their head-to-head record is 1-0 in favor of Del Potro, who is fresh off his win in Stockholm and enjoying a great season so far. Juan Martin has too much firepower for Sousa and should be able to move to the next round.

Outcome: Juan Martin Del Potro in straight sets over Joao Sousa.