Impressive Federer cruises into Estoril Open quarter-finals
Roger Federer aiming for first French Open crown
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Thursday, 17, Apr 2008 09:41
Roger Federer marched into the quarter-finals of the Estoril Open with a comfortable 6-3 6-2 win over Romanian Victor Hanescu.
The world number one, who surprisingly struggled in the previous round against Olivier Rochus, had a much easier time today, breaking his opponent once in the first set and twice in the second.
Federer had to overcome wet conditions, but unleashed some of his trademark winners in the clay court event which he is using as preparations for the French Open.
"It was rainy throughout the match, that's always a hard thing," said Federer, who was watched by new Spanish coach Jose Higueras.
"The balls have a very dead feel, the kick serve is non-existent. You have to play in a different way. It's not a match to over-rate. It was a solid performance though."
Federer will now face the winner of the match between unseeded Portuguese players Joao Sousa and Frederico Gil.
World number four and Miami Masters champion Nikolay Davydenko lost the first set against Ivo Minar, before booking his place in the quarter-finals with a 2-6 6-2 6-4.
Davydenko will face Marc Gicquel in the quarter-finals after he advanced with a 7-6 6-3 victory over unseeded Thierry Ascione.