SHANGHAI – Roger Federer was turfed out of the Shanghai Masters semi-finals on Saturday by 13th-seeded Borna Coric, the Croatian stunning the Swiss great 6-4 6-4.
The 21-year-old Coric will face Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final after the Serb thrashed Alexander Zverev 6-2 6-1, leapfrogging Federer to number two in the world rankings.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer has not been at his brilliant best all week, dropping sets in the two opening matches of his wobbly title defence.
The 37-year-old top seed was more like his old self on Friday, defeating eighth seed Kei Nishikori of Japan 6-4 7-6 (7/4).
But he made a slow start against Coric, ranked 19 in the world, getting broken in the first game in an error-strewn performance.
There was a subtle shake of the head when Federer similarly lost his serve at the start of the second set.
“I thought he was better, I think he had more punch on the
ball. He served better,” said Federer, proclaiming himself pleased overall with
his form.
“I feel like I’m explosive out there, returning well. Serving,
I think, it’s okay, could be even a little bit better.
“I don’t think I played a match where I didn’t get
broken, so that’s something a bit more unusual for me.”
In contrast, Coric – who is into his first Masters 1000 final – was largely untroubled on his serve.
Remember the name...
Absolute perfection from @borna_coric👏
Watch the @SH_RolexMasters live on @TennisTV📺 pic.twitter.com/vD8sA6Lerb
— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) October 13, 2018
Federer won the Australian Open at the start of this year, but has had a mediocre season by his sky-high standards.
He exited the US Open in the last 16 at the hands of unheralded Australian John Millman, ranked 55th, and only made the quarter-finals at Wimbledon.
Coric, who has only two career titles to his name, has now beaten Federer twice – the previous time was in the final at Halle this year.
Coric's Maiden Masters 1000 Final 💪
Borna Coric stuns Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4 to book a final meeting with @DjokerNole in Shanghai. 🇨🇳
Read More ▶️ https://t.co/eOg3qjSUB1 pic.twitter.com/4KkGlKfYBm
— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) October 13, 2018