Roger Federer’s first clay-court tournament since 2016 almost came to an end on Thursday.
Not so fast, he said–probably.
Federer fought off two match points to beat Gael Monfils 6-0, 4-6, 7-6(3) in the third round of the Mutua Madrid Open. The 37-year-old Swiss survived an incredibly tense service game at 5-6 in the final set before coasting through the ensuing tiebreaker. He booked a spot alongside Dominic Thiem in the quarterfinals after exactly two hours of competition.
“Gael did a nice job of not being frustrated after losing the first set, as he did the day before (6-1 to Marton Fucsovics),” the world No. 3 said. “I had a tough run of losing five games in a row, but I hung in there after I saved match point (by) serve-and-volleying on second serve. Gael helped me out with a few double-faults. I’m very, very pleased.”
Thiem, meanwhile, maintained his fine form by defeating Monte-Carlo winner Fabio Fognini 6-4, 7-5.
Federer and Thiem are joined in the quarters by Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Djokovic held off Jeremy Chardy 6-1, 7-6(2), while Nadal took care of Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 6-4.
Up next for Djokovic is a 20th career contest against Marin Cilic; Nadal awaits Stan Wawrinka, a straight-set winner over Kei Nishikori.
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good match. Monf should have won.
Fed was again solid, though his 1st serve pct. needs to be higher. But he made very few unforced errors, and played well throughout. Monfils was obviously much more up and down, with some redlining play mixed in with some more typical Monfils lapses in concentration. Thiem will be a tough match-up for Fed, but at the level he’s playing I think he’ll have plenty of chances. He just needs to serve better.
I wonder why he’s not hitting his spots as well so far at this tournament?
On serve I mean.
Possibly the wind? I’m not sure, but his serve hasn’t been that great. Rest of his game has been really good.
Not at his best , hasn’t played a tournament on clay for three years, gutsy performance to get through it