Roger Federer has advanced to the final of this years Miami Open after beating Canadian youngster Denis Shapovalov.
Fourth seed Roger Federer and seventh seed John Isner face off for the first time in four years in Sunday’s final at the Miami Open presented by Itau. Federer leads their FedEx ATP Head2Head series 5-2, but given the trajectory of their careers since their last battle at the 2015 Rolex Paris Masters, won by Isner in a third-set tie-break, they will arrive on Stadium Court with a clean slate.
His challenge in Miami has been made slightly easier with Nadal out injured, having had to withdraw from a scheduled semi-final with Federer in Indian Wells due to a knee problem.
Nadal, Murray and Del Potro are the three biggest names currently sidelined by fitness issues – with the latter having played only the Delray Beach Open this year.
Federer hopes to see the injury-stricken trio back on court as soon as possible and is backing both Del Potro and Murray to overcome their long-term concerns later this year.
Federer said: “What I feel is that I wish them the best, but it’s part of the game. You know, I can’t play them all.
“We have so many highlights. There is no substitute for us. If we are not feeling well, we can’t play. So we just have to wait it out.
“But the good thing about the ATP Tour is you can always come back, because the tour goes from January to November, and you have 15-plus years on the tour.
“So regardless of their injuries, you know, they will come back, and I hope when they do come back they will be very strong like the last few times.
