Former world No.1 Roger Federer has continued his dream return to the French Open with a straightforward 6-2, 6-3, 6-3, win over Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer.
Federer, who is playing in the French capital for the first time since 2015, encountered little trouble against Mayer. A player who he saved five points against during a thrilling clash five years ago in Shanghai. In their latest match, the Swiss dsmantled the Mayer serve with ease as he didn’t face a single break point. Federer won 83% of the points behind his first serve and hit 30 winners to only 19 unforced errors.
“It’s fabulous that I can spend this time in Paris,” Federer commented during his on-court interview.
“I was prepared for the worst scenario, losing in the first round in three sets. But I am super happy with my performance.” He added.
Contesting his 401st match in a grand slam, Federer breezed through the first two sets with ease. Breaking Mayer twice in each set with the use of the intensity in his shot-making. The Argentine showed glimmers of his talent, but they were not consistent enough to trouble his higher rank opponent. A familiar trend for Mayer, who is now 2-33 against top 10 opposition in his career.
On the verge of booking his place in a record 54th grand slam quarter-final, Federer struck six games into the third frame. A forehand winner directed to the corner of the court gifted him another break 4-2, before a love service game moved him to four points away from victory. On his first match point opportunity, Federer prevailed with the help of another clean forehand winner.
At the age of 37, Federer has become the third oldest man to reach the last eight in the Open Era at Roland Garros and the oldest since Istvan Gulyas back in 1971. In grand slam tennis, nobody has reached the quarter-final of a grand slam at an older age than Federer since Jimmy Connors back in 1991.
Federer will play either Stan Wawrinka or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the next round. He leads Wawrinka 22-3 in their head-to-head, but is tied with Tsitsipas at 1-1.
“I have some bad memories against Stan in 2015. He beat me in three sets with his terrible shorts.” Federer joked about the prospect of playing Wawrinka.
“But he played really great that year and won the title.”
Federer is seeking his second French Open title this year and his first since 2009.
