Paris, Jun 3: “Lucky loser” David Goffin of Belgium got an up-close look at his idol Roger Federer—and even took a set off him—before the 16-time Grand Slam champion won their fourth-round match at the French Open.
The third-seeded Federer reached the quarterfinals at a record 32nd consecutive major tournament by coming back to beat the 109th-ranked Goffin 5-7, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 at Roland Garros on Sunday.
Playing in the main draw at a major tournament for the first time, and only because someone else withdrew, the 21-year-old Goffin pulled off three upsets before facing a guy whose posters hung in his childhood bedroom.
Goffin clearly enjoyed himself. After winning one late point with a volley, he held up an index finger, then bowed to the arena's four corners.
