Roger Federer cruises past Jo-Wilfried Tsonga into the third round of Internazionali BNL d’Italia
World number 3 Roger Federer thrashed French Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, ranked 18th in the world, in straight sets in the round of 32 of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia at Foro Italico in Rome Wednesday. The Swiss dropped just
six games, winning the match 6-4, 6-2 in just an hour and 23 minutes.
Federer took the early lead as he broke Tsonga in the third game of the opening set and held his serve in the next game to go ahead 3-1. The Swiss consolidated on the single break of serve and served out the set at 5-4.
The right-handed delivered a single ace and 69 percent of the first serves, clinching 73 percent of the points on them in the first set. On the other hand, Tsonga kept his first serve percentage at 57 percent and bagged 71 percent
of the points on them. The French could not save one of the three break points he faced and failed in converting both break point chances he received on Federer’s serve in the first set.
After claiming the opening set, Federer never looked back, breaking Tsonga in the first and third game of the second set to race to a 4-0 lead. At 0-4, Tsonga hit a crosscourt forehand winner to open his account, reducing Federer’s
lead to 4-1. Federer held both of his following service games, sealing the set 6-2.
The Swiss fired a single ace and 62 percent of the first serves in the second set, capturing 76 percent of the first service points. In comparison, Tsonga’s serve was not up to the mark as he managed to hit just 48 percent of the
first serve, converting 45 percent of them into points. The French failed in saving two of the four break points he faced in the second set. Whereas, Federer saved all the five break points he faced in the second set.
Commenting on the match, Federer said, "I always expect tough matches and as I said before the game -- I knew he’s dangerous and he serves well. Perhaps conditions were a little bit slow and I was able to play a clean match from
start to finish, so it was a good match and I was pleased."
The Swiss will take on world number 16 Richard Gasquet of France in the round of 16.
Federer said, talking about his next match, "I am excited to play Richard because he’s a great player and we had a good match against each other in Dubai, so I am looking forward to playing [him] on clay. I need to be very focused
is and smart with a good game plan and we’ll see how it goes."
This will be the tenth meeting between Federer and Gasquet. The former world number 1 leads Gasquet 8-1 in the head-to-head record.
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