ATP - Successful Birthday!

August 8, 2007 (Canada time)

Roger has won his first match in Montreal, defeating Croatia's Ivo Karlovic (ATP 34) in the tie-break in both sets.

The result might look like the match was rather tight, but Roger did in fact not face any major problems during his first appearance after his fifth Wimbledon title in series. He only lost a total of seven points on his own serve and won the tie-breaks clearly 7-2 and 7-3 on his 26th birthday today. Roger has now won all three encounters against the Croatian; the former two having taken place in Gstaad and Wimbledon.

Our star's opponent in the next round is Fabio Fognini (ATP 137). The Italian surprisingly defeated Britain's Andy Murray 6-2, 6-2.

Happy Birthday Roger!

(.^__^.)

ATP - ROGER RACES ON
August 9
Roger played to perfection today, blowing out the candles on qualifier Fabio Fognini 6-1, 6-1 at the Montreal Masters.

Chasing his 50th career title, our star was utterly dominant against an unknown Italian opponent ranked 139. With a first set which was over in 18 minutes, the challenger had little hope as Roger won a 14th match on the trot in Canada.

"I'm very content," he said after the match. "You don't expect them this fast. By the time I sat down at the end, I was only just starting to get warm."

World number 139 Fognini had upset 13th seed Andy Murray in the previous round but the 20-year-old was outclassed by Federer on Centre Court.
"I thought the first match (against Ivo Karlovic) was already very good," Federer told reporters.
"Playing in perfect conditions today, playing a solid match against a youngster, that was an excellent match."

"I was happy it all went my way and I didn't have to struggle too much out there. (When it's a short match), people like to say, 'I couldn't get into the rhythm' and stuff. It's not true. I got a perfect rhythm out there today."

The Swiss now plays former world number one Lleyton Hewitt who beat Slovakian Dominik Hrbaty 6-7 7-6 7-5, saving two match points in the second-set tiebreak.