French Open: End of road for ‘lucky loser’ David Goffin

Published on 04/06/2012 00:00

ROGER Federer surrendered one set against Belgian fan and newcomer David Goffin before beating the lucky loser 5-7, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals of the French Open yesterday.

The Swiss saved two break points before losing a third on a forehand error to lose the first set. The 21-year-old Goffin, the first lucky loser to reach the last 16 of a grand slam since compatriot Dick Norman at Wimbledon in 1995, kept up the pressure but was ultimately undone by the vastly experienced Federer.

Goffin, who idolised Federer when he was a teenager, won over the fans on the windy Suzanne Lenglen Court with his fighting spirit and prowess at the net.

“David has played an extraordinary tournament,” said Federer afterwards. “I congratulate him from the bottom of my heart.”

Goffin said: “It is really a dream to play against Roger and I hope to have many more matches like this.”

Scotland’s Andy Murray will hope to join Federer in the last eight when he faces Richard Gasquet today.