Despite the score, Stepanek was not a comfortable put away for Nadal using everything in his bag of tricks to disrupt the Spaniard. At one all in the first set, Stepanek forced Nadal to overcome break point in order to hold.

After failing to build on a 15-30 advantage on his rival’s serve, Stepanek was broken when Nadal connected on a forehand crosscourt pass for a winner. Next, Nadal consolidated for 5-2. Then, Nadal broke Stepanek a second time to bed the opening set.

Following a hold where he wiped out break point, Nadal converted to secure the break. In spite of Stepanek fighting, Nadal went on to stretch his lead to 3-0.

Down the road, Stepanek dismissed double break point to stay in touch with Nadal at 2-4. However, serving to extend the match, Stepanek stared at triple break point. On the second match point, Stepanek’s forehand found the net resulting in Nadal securing his spot into the fourth round.

Next, Nadal will take on Kei Nishikori who booted Lukas Rosol 6-4, 6-2. After his victory Nadal had the following thoughts on his upcoming match “every match is completely different, but I beat him two times on grass. One time here last year. No one match can be easy against him. . . He’s a fantastic player. He has a big talent hits the ball very early, plays very aggressive. So, [he] will be a really tough opponent. If I am not playing my best, I will have not very good chances to be in the quarterfinals. So I gonna try to play well. I gonna try to play aggressive with no mistakes”.

Of note, seventh seed Tomas Berdych was stunned by Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 while Janko Tipsarevic edged out Alexandr Dolgopolov in three sets. Dimitrov and Tipsarevic will battle it out for a place in the quarterfinals.

With Milos Raonic unable to take court due to an ankle injury, Andy Murray got a pass into the fourth round and will face Gilles Simon. Simon defeated Jurgen Melzer 7-6, 6-4.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga bested Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 7-6. Tsonga now waits for the winner of the John Isner- Florian Mayer match this evening.

Moreover, besides Nikolay Davydenko who was unable to defend his 2008 title due to injury, since 2006 no prior year’s champion has advanced beyond the round of 16.

By winning the BNP Paribas Open, his third title of the season, Federer is now searching for his third career back to back Miami- Indian Wells trophy. Amazingly, Federer has not been to the final in South Florida since 2006.

In all likelihood, if the Swiss plans on being a finalist, he will have to battle past Djokovic in the semifinals. Even before that, Federer could be troubled by 2010 champion Andy Roddick in the third round and Mardy Fish in the quarterfinals who will try to best his 2011semifinal result.

In the bottom half of the draw, 2009 champion Andy Murray and three time runner-up Nadal are on a collision for the semifinals. With 2012 BNP Paribas Open finalist John Isner or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga possible quarterfinal rivals, Nadal will have to be steady if he intends to keep his date with Murray.

For his part, Murray may have to maneuver around the hugely talented Canadian Milos Raonic in the third round; this would be their initial meeting. Then, the quarterfinals could offer the dangerous Tomas Berdych as Murray’s opponent.

At this juncture last year, Djokovic was undefeated and had claimed three titles. By prevailing at this year’s Australian Open in such dramatic fashion, Djokovic reminded all that he is fearless.

On the other hand, Djokovic’s two losses in 2012 signal to the rest of the field that he is ultimately human. Consequently, although slightly, the door is now ajar for either Nadal, Federer, Murray or Del Potro to come through in Miami. Main draw play begins on Wednesday.

Roger Federer feted the twentieth anniversary of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in a memorable manner. In the final, Federer bested Andy Murray 7-5, 6-4 to claim a record fifth trophy.

The last time, Federer and Murray clashed was at the ATP World Tour Champions in 2010. Although the former was victorious, in their head to head, Murray led 8-6.

In the semifinals, Murray dispatched Novak Djokovic in straight sets to hand the Serb his first knockdown of the year. Moreover, Murray stopped Djokovic from seeking a fourth consecutive title. Consequently, Murray came into the final full of confidence.

On the other hand, Federer has been brilliant of late. He was going for his second title in a row in his last two tournaments.

Federer had not surrendered a set this week. The Swiss had not been broken since the Rotterdam semifinals, guarding serve 58 successive times. In the previous round, Federer held off Juan Martin Del Potro 7-6, 7-6.

With Federer netting a backhand, Murray had double break point in the opening set. The last opponent to manufacture a break point against Federer was Michael Llodra in the opening round. By provoking miscues from Murray, Federer erased the deficit and held for 3 a piece.

Later with Murray serving at 5 all, Federer fabricated triple break point. Yet, Murray wiggled himself out of that jam and got to deuce.

However, on his fifth break point opportunity, Federer caused Murray to dump a backhand volley into the net and captured the break for 6-5. Then, with a swift game, Federer bedded the initial set.

Next, as Murray’s crosscourt backhand landed wide, Federer converted the break in the subsequent set. Soon, with a love game, Federer consolidated for 3-1.

But serving at 3-2, Federer allowed his rival back into the match. As Federer misfired on a backhand volley, Murray broke and won the following game to move ahead 4-3.

After Federer maintained serve comfortably, he attacked. Thanks to a superb forehand volley winner, Federer obtained triple break point. When Murray fumbled the backhand down the line, Federer sealed the break for 5-4.

Although Murray saved an initial match point to find deuce, Federer produced a second with a forehand crosscourt winner. Quickly, by sticking a forehand up the line winner, Federer ended the session for his 72nd career title.

Murray is the first Brit to advance to the Dubai final. Despite the loss, Murray stated “it was a good week with a couple of great wins against [Tomas] Berdych and Novak. It was always going to be a tough challenge against Roger. He played a better match and deserves to win”.

Moreover, Murray felt “the atmosphere was fantastic. I think most of the crowd wanted Roger to win. But it’s not always [the case] that you get to play in a packed stadium. It was a good atmosphere, thanks everyone for coming out. I really enjoyed it”.

The last time Federer hoisted the trophy was in 2007. The titles may be numerous, yet, Federer never gets tired of winning.

The Swiss admitted that “winning is the best; it solves everything. I’m very happy it went so well. It’s a wonderful tournament to play”. Since Federer spends quite a bit of his “free time” in Dubai, he expressed that it’s especially thrilling to triumph there.

Nathalie Narcisse

The Dutch crowd waited seven years for Roger Federer to defend his 2005 title and he did not disappoint. In the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament final, Federer dispatched Juan Martin Del Potro 6-1, 6-4 to secure his maiden trophy of the season.

After escaping in three sets in the semifinals against Nikolay Davydenko, Federer knew he had to be sharp from the start in facing Del Potro. The Swiss maestro brought his best stuff from the outset.

Subsequent to erasing two break points to hold in the opening game, Federer manufactured a break point of his own with a forehand volley winner. Then, with another forehand winner, Federer captured the break.

Next, after consolidating, Federer arrived at double break point. By thumping a forehand up the line pass for a winner, Federer secured a double break advantage against Del Potro at 4-0. Using his all court game, Federer comfortably pocketed the initial set 6-1.

In the second set, Del Potro did his utmost to push his rival. With Federer sending a forehand long, Del Potro had break point. Again, Federer found the right combination of shots to level play at 2 all.

Just as in the first set, after the Argentine failed to capitalize on break point, Federer pounced. With Del Potro’s forehand crosscourt sailing wide, Federer had break point. Later, with forehand crosscourt pass winner, Federer sealed the break and a 3-2 lead.

Soon though, Del Potro had two break points to get back on even term. However, he could not convert. Consequently, Federer stretched his edge to 4-2.

By keeping the deficit at one break, Del Potro had double break point courtesy of a Federer double fault. Once more, Federer wiped those out as a result of winners and by forcing errors from his counterpart to get to 5-3.

After wasting two match points on Del Potro’s serve, Federer arrived at double match points on his own. He closed out the championship with a forehand volley winner.

Subsequent to dismantling second seed Tomas Berdych in the semifinals, Del Potro came into the final with high expectations. The Argentine’s futility on seven break point opportunities made it tougher for him this afternoon. Since the wrist surgery, Del Potro has gone down to Federer in straight sets in their three meetings.

After congratulating Federer, Del Potro thanked the public for making him feel welcomed his first time at this tournament. Del Potro said “I enjoyed my matches, the week and hopefully I can be back next year if you like” with that came a huge round of applause. Judging from that response, Del Potro has a spot in 2013 should he decide to play.

Federer was happy to seize his 71st career title and claimed that he has always been fond of this venue “I have great memories from 1999 the first time I came here. . . It’s a great event”.

It seemed incredible to Federer that so many years had gone by since he last played in Rotterdam. Jokingly, Federer cited if it takes him seven years more to come back “that means I’m playing another seven years which is not a bad thing”.

Nathalie Narcisse

For the second year in a row, Roger Federer is on course to equalize Pete Sampras’ record of seven Wimbledon titles. Defending champion Rafael Nadal is also through to the second week as he goes for his third French Open-Wimbledon duo. While Novak Djokovic, the hottest player this season, is in great form through three matches.

The world’s top three players are still the ones to beat heading into the round of 16 while world number four and hometown pick Andy Murray is also alive with an outside chance. Here’s a review of the past few days and a look at the rest of the tournament.

Federer has looked superb through the first three rounds of play. The Swiss dominated his third round match against a less than 100% David Nalbandian who’s had his number previously.

In the fourth round, Federer takes on Mikhail Youzhny. Federer has won all ten of their prior meetings and the Russian has never been beyond the round of 16 at this event.

David Ferrer tied his best showing at the All England Club by reaching the round of 16 and will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who was a quarterfinalist last year. The winner of that contest will probably battle Federer in the quarterfinals.

After straight sets triumphs his initial two matches, Djokovic had to bear down against Marcos Baghdatis to move on in four in the third round. On Monday, Djokovic meets Michael Llodra in the fourth round. Although Llodra is sensational on grass, he should be no match for Djokovic.

Eighteen year old Australian qualifier Bernard Tomic is the unforeseen name in the second week. In the first round, Tomic took down veteran Nikolay Davydenko. Next, he erased a 2 set to love deficit to topple another veteran Igor Andreev.

In the third round, Tomic stunned an ailing Robin Soderling in straight sets. The teenager clashes with veteran Xavier Malisse in the round of 16. The one left standing will probably see Djokovic in the quarterfinals. Consequently, a Djokovic-Federer semifinal seems a done deal.

Although Nadal was pushed his first three rounds, the Spaniard still dispatched his opponents in three sets. Juan Martin Del Potro was also tested in his second and third round matches by Olivier Rochus and Gilles Simon respectively but came through. As a result, the anticipated duel between Nadal and Del Potro will occur in the round of 16.

Since Del Potro’s return from wrist surgery, the two only tussled once at Indian Wells. Del Potro has improved considerably since that meeting. Yet, with his previous success on this surface, Nadal will squeak by.

With three time Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick’s shocking exit in the third round to Feliciano Lopez, Mardy Fish is the sole surviving American. In his maiden fourth round showing at the All England Club, Fish collides with 2010 runner up Tomas Berdych.

Berdych and Fish have never played. Considering his 2010 breakthrough, Berdych has underachieved this year. Therefore, Fish has a tremendous opportunity to cinch his primary quarterfinal at Wimbledon where he will stare at either Nadal or Del Potro.

Twice a quarterfinalist at Wimbledon, Lopez encounters Lukasz Kubot in the round of 16. The 29 year old qualifier in his second main draw at this tournament ousted Arnaud Clement, then Ivo Karlovic and subsequently upended Gael Monfils in the third round.

With Murray’s erratic performance so far, his fourth round rival Richard Gasquet should be able to capitalize. However, twice, Roland Garros in 2010 and Wimbledon in 2008, Gasquet blew a 2 set to 0 lead against the Brit. That is a gargantuan psychological hurdle for Gasquet to overcome. As such, Murray should make it to the quarterfinals.

Murray prevailed in all four meetings against Lopez and appears to have a comfortable road to the semifinals. The question is whether Nadal or Del Potro will be his adversary.

Similar to the French Open, the top four players have a good chance of colliding in the semifinals. With Federer ending Djokovic’s perfect season, the latter will be looking for revenge. Djokovic is hungry for this distinctive prize which can work in his favor or his detriment.

On the other hand, Federer has the pressure of wanting to make history. The same applies to Murray with his nation hoping to claim its home trophy for the first time since 1936. Nadal is playing with fewer expectations which sets up the perfect scenario for him walking away with the championship for the second straight year.

For the first time at the All England Club, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are the top two seeds. Defending champion Nadal will fight to collect his third hardware at this venue and his third French Open-Wimbledon combo. Djokovic who registered his maiden loss of the year at the previous major after a forty-one match unbeaten run will attempt to reach his first final at SW 19.

Two other competitors are also hoping to make history. Third seed Roger Federer tries to equalize Pete Sampras’ all time record of seven titles while fourth seed Andy Murray carries the aspirations of an isle on his shoulders. This fortnight, Murray aims to terminate his nation’s 75 year drought at its home major. Here’s the breakdown of the 2011 Wimbledon draw.

For world number one Nadal, it should be smooth sailing until the third round. In that session, the defending champion could be bothered by phenom Milos Raonic. Again in the round of 16, Nadal will be on crash alert with Juan Martin Del Potro his likely opponent. Consequently, there are various rocks along the road early on for the top seed.

In the quarterfinals, Nadal could face a rematch of last year’s final with Tomas Berdych. Considering Berdych’s average performance this season, the Spaniard should have the advantage. However, a semifinal against either Andy Roddick, a three time finalist, or Murray will be a harder challenge.

Having won the Queen’s Club trophy for the second time, Murray has once more found his mojo. Murray’s potential third round counterpart is Marin Cilic and either Stanislas Wawrinka or Richard Gasquet in the fourth round. While these are all worthy adversaries, Murray should have the upper hand.

Roddick also has a favorable path until the round of 16 where the unpredictable Gael Monfils possibly awaits. A Murray-Roddick quarterfinal would be a rematch of their sensational 2009 semifinal. Although Roddick’s year has been sub-par to date, he can rebound at SW19 where he has had great success previously.

Djokovic and Federer anchor the bottom half of the draw. Thus, the two could collide in the semifinals.

Federer’s initial obstacle could be in the third round in the form of David Nalbandian. The Argentine has been contending with injury but has the tools to trouble Federer. In the quarterfinals, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or David Ferrer could offer Federer stiff opposition. Still, the Swiss maestro would be in the driver’s seat.

Like Federer, Djokovic could have a few early intricate encounters such as Marcos Baghdatis in the third round and Michael Llodra or Viktor Troicki in the round of 16. Yet, Djokovic should move on to the quarterfinals.

The wildcard in that section is Robin Soderling. Even though grass is not Soderling’s strong suit and he’s been inconsistent this season, Soderling will be a formidable hurdle for either Djokovic in the quarterfinals or Federer in the semifinals.

Call it kismet or curse, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut who last year redefined the meaning of marathon match will do battle again in the first round. Without question, each man is praying for a less dramatic outing this time around.

Surprises at the majors have been few on the men’s side with Nadal and Federer dominant at the ultimate six to seven years. However, the gap has shrunk between the top three players with Djokovic raising his game to new heights this season.

Nadal, Federer and Djokovic have the greatest possibly of hoisting the trophy on the final Sunday. With less than one hundred points separating him from the Spaniard, Djokovic could rearrange the pecking order and overtake Nadal at number one after this event.

For Nadal to retain the title, Federer to bag number seven or Murray to become a hometown hero, for at least one or all, the road may lead through Djokovic. Fasten your seatbelt, Wimbledon will be quite the ride this year.

Although his performance has been patchy this year, Nikolay Davydenko has a 6-4 record against Nadal. With ten titles on clay including one recently in Munich, Davydenko, the twice semifinalist at Roland Garros, is a formidable potential challenger for Nadal in the round of 16.

Despite a downward slide the last two months, Robin Soderling can at any time regain the form which brought him three consecutive titles early this year. As such, the two time French Open finalist, the only person to defeat Nadal at Roland Garros, could be a serious obstacle in the quarterfinals.

Along with Nadal, Andy Murray is in the top half of the draw which could set up an intriguing semifinal clash between the two. The dangers for Murray include rising star Milos Raonic in the third round and talented Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov in the fourth round.

In the quarterfinals, Murray could face stiff opposition from clay court specialist Nicolas Almagro and 2010 French Open semifinalist Jurgen Melzer. Yet, after the disappointment of failing to close out Djokovic in the semifinals in Rome, Murray’s greatest roadblock may be mental.

Provided his left thigh is at 100%, Juan Martin Del Potro could end Djokovic’s perfect season in the third round. Beforehand though, Del Potro will need to dispatch Ivo Karlovic in the first round.

If Mikhail Youzhny and 2010 French Open semifinalist Tomas Berdych had built on their success from last year, they could be viewed as true threats to Djokovic in the quarterfinals. However, with their results of late, Berdych and Youzhny are unlikely to pull off an upset considering Djokovic’s play and confidence at an all time high.

After flirting with a second round exit in Madrid at the hand of Feliciano Lopez, Roger Federer faces the Spaniard in the opening round. On notice, Federer will have to be vigilant if he plans to stick around for round two.

In the round of 16, Federer could also be tested by hometown favorite Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. Furthermore, David Ferrer will be a perilous quarterfinal adversary for the Swiss.

For the first time in many moons, Federer finds himself in the backseat when it comes to being one of the favorites at a major. To once again become part of that conversation, Federer will need to mute Djokovic in the semifinals.

With Nadal victorious last year and Djokovic solely defending his quarterfinal status, only the latter can gain ground in the rankings. Consequently, after the French Open, there might be a radical shift at the summit with Djokovic king of the mountain. The event begins in two short days.

With Nadal winning nine of the twelve meetings against Berdych and the last eight, the contest at first seemed a formality. Particularly the manner in which Nadal got out of the gates.

Nadal raced to a 3-0 advantage in the primary set by taking Berdych’s first two games. Then, by provoking a backhand miscue from Berdych padded his lead to 4-0.

With Berdych serving, Nadal hit an awesome forehand crosscourt pass off a backhand overhead by Berdych which summed up the miserable time that Berdych was having. Still, Berdych held to make the score respectable at 4-1.

While Nadal had no trouble carrying the set, the next couple of games, Berdych demonstrated that he finally awoke.

In the opening game of the second set, Berdych overcame double break point to maintain serve. Subsequently, when Nadal double faulted and had a forehand go long, Berdych had double break point. With a forehand up the line winner, Berdych grabbed the break for 2-0.

Then, Berdych consolidated for a 3-0 lead. During the changeover, Nadal called for the trainer and the Spaniard had his shoulder and neck attended to. After the treatment, Nadal held for 3-1.

Nadal received treatment again during the second set. In the eighth game, Nadal fought off two set points to guard serve for 5-3. However, with strong serving, Berdych closed the set with a love game.

Prior to the commencement of the third set, Nadal was manipulated by the trainer for the third time. By slicing a backhand long, Nadal stared at triple break point.

A mistake by Berdych and three consecutive aces gave Nadal game point. The Spaniard finished the game with a forehand volley winner.

Both players had relatively fast service games with no break point until the eighth game.

When Berdych dumped a forehand into the net after Nadal’s penetrating stroke, the latter had double break point. Nadal went up 5-3 when Berdych again netted a forehand.

As a result of a winner, Nadal arrived at triple match point. With Berdych’s backhand sailing long, Nadal wrote his name opposite Federer’s in the semifinals.

A conspicuously disappointed Berdych said “to break after winning the second set, that would have been a great chance for me. But, he just served unbelievably well. . . You can expect three or four aces from somebody like [Andy] Roddick or [Ivo] Karlovic. But from Rafa [not really], just too good for him”.

Still, Berdych said there are positives to take away from this encounter when asked by MiamiTennisNews.com “the matches since the last time I beat him, I had not won a set against him. . . I was trying something different today. Until maybe the last service game it was working pretty well and I had a good run”.

After the match, Nadal cited that it was unusual that his serve actually saved the match. Something that would not have been possible probably four years ago.

As far the right shoulder injury, Nadal stated that he felt a pinched nerve, something that had never occurred before. The Spaniard expressed that he just blocked out the injury in the third set. After all, it’s the quarterfinals of a Masters Series one of the most important tournaments.

Nadal felt confident that he would be well for the challenge of playing Federer tomorrow night. In their head to head, Nadal leads Federer 14-8.

Speaking of Federer, Nadal iterated that it’s always nice and “special” to play Federer. Over the years, they’ve developed a friendship and he does not view it as a “rivalry”. The two have battled in so many finals and he has great respect for Federer.

Nadal is in his second straight semifinal in Miami. In 2005 and 2008, Nadal advanced to the final but was stopped by Federer the first time, then surprised by Nikolay Davydenko the second.

Q. The weather today, did that cause you any disruptions, or just you know what you have to do in those sort of situations? ​

RAFAEL NADAL: No, you know, be calm and wait. That’s all. Nothing else. You can’t do a lot of things in days like today. Relax in the players’ lounge, be with the friends. That’s it. ​It’s nothing new. It’s something that happen a lot of times in the tennis. ​

Q. Playing Alexandr today, did you feel that he was maybe a little bit tired having to finish off against Tsonga today? ​

RAFAEL NADAL: I don’t know. I don’t know if he was tired or not, but you can ask him, I think. But maybe is possible, no? But I think when we play matches, fiveset matches in Grand Slam is more than what he had. ​So I think probably is not easy play end of the match and after start of the match. That’s sure. But that’s part of the game, no? It happen to me a few times, and I think in general I played at very good level, no? ​Probably he had more mistakes than usual, but I don’t know if because he was little bit tired or not. ​

Q. Did you find the conditions heavy because of the rain from earlier on? ​

RAFAEL NADAL: No, heavy, very humid. That’s why I am sweating a lot. ​

Q. What about playing Tomas in the next round? ​

RAFAEL NADAL: Difficult match always, no? We know each other. We played a lot of times, and I know just play my best tennis I gonna have chances against him, no? ​He can play very, very good, and I have to play very solid all the time with my serve and wait a chance on the return. ​

Q. One question about being an ambassador for Bacardi. I was just wondering, was that a difficult decision, seeing that alcohol and sponsorship for alcohol might be a little strange for some people? Or was it more you saw the good it can do with the company? ​

RAFAEL NADAL: Did you see the campaign? ​

Q. Yeah. ​

RAFAEL NADAL: So, I mean, I am not presenting alcohol party, you know. It’s a responsible campaign, a social campaign. ​Anyway, I think alcohol is inside our lives, so is nothing new, no? But the campaign is not against alcohol but about be responsible when you go out. ​So wasn’t difficult decision, because I think is very important social campaign, and I believe in this campaign. So it was a very easy decision, because I think is very good thing to do for Bacardi.

As a result of a double fault, Federer gave Monaco break point in the opening game. However, Federer managed to hold. By misfiring on a forehand, Monaco gifted Federer a break point and threw in a double fault for the break.

At this point, it seemed Federer would make short work of world number 35. But with a couple of mistakes of his own, Federer surrendered the next game allowing Monaco to get back on serve.

At 2-1, Federer had a couple more chances to break. Still, Monaco was unflappable and guarded serve.

With Monaco saving six out of seven break points, the first set went to a tiebreaker which Federer claimed.

In the second set, Monaco dominated on serve while Federer had a few tight games. Consequently, it seemed that the match could go to a third set. As usual though, Federer stepped it up at the right time.

After an ace for game point, Monaco double faulted for deuce. Then, with a forehand winner, Federer had his second break point opportunity of the game. When Monaco’s forehand landed long, Federer went up 5-4.

With Federer serving for the match, Monaco continued to resist. Finally, with a forehand up the line winner, Federer arrived at 40-30. With Monaco’s stroke going out of play, Federer penned his name into the next round.

After the match, MiamiTennisNews asked Federer what made Monaco a difficult adversary considering he’s a clay court specialist “tough was not having played him very often. Then, it being hot, humid and slow conditions. . .this is as slow as it gets out on the hard court. It’s a bit of clay almost except that you can’t slide. All the clay court specialists. . .have adapted very well to the hard courts now these days”.

In addition, Federer cited “I thought he played well in the later stages of the first set and then also in the second. But I was able to come through with a crucial first set, which allowed me to have a bit of sort of winfromtheback sort of feeling. . .I had the one return game which worked well, and was able to serve it out. So it was a good finish for me”.

Qualifier Olivier Rochus upended the 13th seed Mikhail Youzhny 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 and will be Federer’s subsequent challenge in the fourth round. Federer’s record against Rochus is 7-0, their ultimate meeting was two years ago.

This was what Federer had to say about the upcoming battle “He’s coming back from an injury, I think. But he’s played well. I think he’s been in the challenger in Guadeloupe [and won that tournament]. Today, he beat Youzhny, a quality player. . .coming back from a set down. . .it was impressive.

Also, Federer expressed “He’s a good friend of mine. He has amazing touch and feel out on the court, great playing sense, when to play which shot. Even though he’s a small guy, he knows how to use his weapons and his feel. He’s a great tactician. I enjoy playing against him. It’s a different kind of playing style. I’m looking forward to the match”.

Tomas Berdych, the seventh seed, defeated Carlos Berlocq 7-5, 7-6 while Florian Mayer shocked Nicolas Almagro in three sets. The winners will now meet in the fourth round.