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Roger Federer, shorter hair, but same superb game, is into the quarterfinals at the tennis tournament in Rome, Italy. He made quick work of G. Simon of France, 6 -1, 6 -2. Actually, surprisingly easy for Fed. Loved the sign in the crowd, NO ROGER, NO PARTY! I agree. Over 70% on first serves and 83% of second serves won (the measuring stick for success in men’s tennis, % of second serves won!). Next up for Roger is J. Janowicz of Poland who upset Richard Gasquet today. Also upset today, del Potro, falling to B. Paire of France, 4 -6, 6 -7. Bit of a shock there as well. Nadal had to come from behind, dropping the first set to E. Gulbis to advance; three set victory for Rafa, 1 -6, 7 – 5, 6 – 4. Top seed Djokovic made easy work of A. Dolgopolov, 6 -1, 6 – 4. T. Berdych advanced over K. Anderson, 7 – 5, 6 – 2.
So it is onto the quarters! Of the top seeds, Djokovic and Federer have looked the sharpest, even though Rafa is notorious for his clay court tennis. Hopefully, Fed can pull off something special in Rome, he looks REALLY sharp after that debacle in Madrid.
Nadal will face fellow Spaniard Ferrer in the quarters, Djokovic will face Berdych.
As a footnote: Andy Murray, who had to withdraw due to a back injury, has announced it is unlikely he will be able to compete at the French Open. Such a shame to have one of the big four out!
