Three-time defending champion, Roger Federer survived a few uneasy moments before conquering Feliciano Lopez in four sets 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 & 6-4.
Early on, the standards set by Roger Federer were put to a brawl by the Spanish lefty. With a dazzling start to win the first set the 60th ranked Lopez hit well-angled serves and sharp volleys that caught Federer flat-footed. Lopez registered 11 winners in the first set, including five aces, to shock the world number one.
His appealing display continued until Federer scored a break in the 10th game to win the second set from whereon Lopez never recovered.
In the end Federer said:
He was dictating play, he was serving unbelievable.You always hope he’s not going to continue to play that well and you try to find something positive. It was definitely a struggle. I was fortunate. I played great in the end.
The Swiss maestro is now set for a quarter-final clash against Andy Roddick, runner-up to Federer in last year’s final.
Roddick who enjoyed an easy passage into the last eight after his opponent Tomas Berdych retired ill during their fourth-round match. Oddly, it is the second time in the tournament that he has profited from an opponent’s withdrawal.
Federer owns an astounding record against his old foe Roddick. Undoubtedly, it would be a tough ask for the American to withstand the wreaking devastation of the World No.1.
Via: BBC
