Roger Federer ready for goalkeeper against Isner at Miami final | ATP Tour

Roger Federer has the picture already formed in his head: he is squatting behind the service line, on tiptoe, ready to pounce on everything that comes his way, and John Isner, his opponent in the Miami final, stands in front of him, throwing ball down serves.

The question that could determine whether Federer wins his 28^th Title ATP Masters 1000 Sunday: How many services can it prevent from hitting the back wall?

"I honestly love big waiters, to watch them, [to see] if they go to every two or three points. For me, it's exciting because it's like a penalty shoot-out in [football]it's just about tennis, "Federer said in his ESPN interview on the court. "I'll be the guardian on Sunday. I will do my best. I will try to recover as many balls as possible.

The triple Miami Open presented by champion Itau has already impressed David de Gea in the past against Isner. Federer leads the FedEx ATP Head2Head 5-2 series, which includes a straight set victory in the 2012 BNP Paribas Open final at Indian Wells. Isner won his last meeting at the tour level at the 2015 Rolex Paris Masters.

"I know what to expect – that he will not miss many services. He has incredible service. One of the best in the game, forever. It's really hard to play against him, "said Federer.

The Swiss easily qualified for their fifth finals in Miami on Friday night, beating Canadian Denis Shapovalov #NextGenATP 6-2, 6-4. Federer has not lost a set since his first match against Moldova's Radu Albot.

But Federer admitted that the 37-year-old semifinal against Shapovalov, 18, was not a match like the other. He feels a little brighter against #NextGenATP members.

"Before leaving, tonight, I told my daughters that he was not born yet while I was already playing in the professional circuit," said Federer, turned professional in 1998, a year before the birth of Shapovalov. "So, they are like what? Wait a second. & # 39; They did the calculations. & # 39; So this guy is really young? I thought, "Yes, I'm really old." But everything is fine. It really gives me an extra boost. No doubt about it. "

Defending champion Isner returned to the Miami final with a 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4) win over his 18-year-old friend and fellow countryman Felix Auger-Alibadime. The teenager served for both sets.

"Let's hope we have a good game," Federer told ESPN. "I'm looking forward to playing John because he's really had a tough game against Felix today. It was an impressive performance from him. "

The 33-year-old American won his 10 sets and is 9-0 in a tie-break.