Roger Federer did it again as the Swiss Maestro went on to claim a spot in the Indian Wells semis. Getting past the young tennis star, Hyeon Chung, turned out to be an easy job for Federer who completely outplayed his opponent. When it comes to being rewarded for having booked a spot in the next phase of the tournament, Federer won twice.

Finding himself two matches away from a complete run at Indian Wells, Federer will know for sure whether he will retain the world No.1 ranking (at least until after Miami). The next Masters 1000 event on the calendar is next week at Key Biscayne.

To top it all off, by finishing within the last four in the Californian desert, Federer matched his best start of the year.

A twelve-year gap erased by Roger Federer

Any avid fan or just a casual tennis viewer will has to admit that the last 14 months have been part of a great fantasy. Roger Federer crushed the opposition (with few exceptions during the summer swing on hard court and also the clay season). It looks like the world has been witnessing the eighth wonder of the world.

Roger Federer is now 16-0 in win/ loss ration this year (without including Hopman Cup) which levels a twelve years record dating back from 2006.

For some, having Federer at the top of the ATP rankings is such a conundrum although a rational explanation is easy to deliver.

The whole story is about having a great timing that consists of Federer's late surge combined with the fact that many top players are out of shape. Like any other great athlete, Federer just stepped in and grab the opportunity.

Should he successfully defend his title at Indian Wells, the 36-year-old will retain the No. 1 until the grass season arrives.

Roger Federer seeks his sixth Indian Wells title

While many top seeds ended their bids early in the tournament, Federer kept himself on a safe route. Without dropping a set at this year's Indian Wells, 20-time Grand Slam titlist will ask Borna Coric a serious question as the young Croatian will be his next opponent. Coric has made it into his first ever Masters 1000 semifinal.

Being a set and a break down against Kevin Anderson, he mounted a surreal comeback to outlast the 2017 US Open runner-up

Roger Federer will play his 11th semis at Indian Wells while seeking his eighth final overall. A potential success in Indian Wells might give Federer some extra space. Playing Rotterdam might not have been part of the original schedule but it did help his bid for the No. 1 position. If he wins at Indian Wells, he can even consider skipping past Miami just to give his body a well-deserved rest. After all, he will turn 37 this summer.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED