Federer Reaches Quarter Finals, Roddick Done
02/06/2009 06:47
Paris, France (Sports Network) - Three-time runner-up Roger Federer dropped the first two sets against Tommy Haas before charging back to win his fourth- round match, while sixth-seeded American Andy Roddick came up a loser Monday at Roland Garros.
The second-seeded former world No. 1 Federer trailed two-sets-to-love before battling back for a 6-7 (4-7), 5-7, 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 decision over the former No. 2 Haas on Court Chatrier, while Roddick succumbed to 11th-seeded heavy French crowd favorite Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 on Court Lenglen.
Federer needed 3 hours, 7 minutes to fight off the Haas challenge, which he did with the help of 16 aces and seven service breaks. The Swiss won nine straight games at one point to level the match, and closed out the affair by winning the last five games.
Haas was leading 4-3 in the pivotal third set and was a point away from serving for the match, but Federer managed to hold his serve. The German then led 40-15 in the ninth game of the stanza, but promptly committed four straight unforced errors and fell behind 4-5. Federer then held to take the set and would cruise from there.
Federer advanced on his second match point when Haas missed wide on a forehand return. Haas saved a first match point with a backhand winner before Federer set-up a second with a drop-shot winner.
The oft-injured Haas settled for 11 aces and two breaks en route to defeat.
"When you're that close to winning, it hurts," Haas said. "I gave it all that I had out there today, and I came up short."
Federer is now 14-12 in his career five-set matches, including five wins after falling behind by two sets.
"It's maybe a good sign," Federer said after the tight win. "It was a great battle for me, and I'm thrilled to be through and given another chance here."
The 27-year-old Federer is now 9-2 lifetime against Haas, including eight straight wins. Surprisingly, this marked their first-ever meeting on clay. Federer is 3-1 in their career Grand Slam meetings.
The 13-time major champion Federer still needs the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam, a feat that has been accomplished by only five men all- time. The Swiss great was the runner-up to Rafael Nadal the last three years here and also lost to Nadal in the semifinals in 2005. Nadal, of course, was shocked by Swede Robin Soderling in his fourth-round bout here on Sunday. The amazing Spaniard had been a perfect 31-0 lifetime at Roland Garros and was seeking a record fifth straight French Open championship.
"It caused a bit of a shock in the locker room," Federer said of Nadal's shock dismissal. "All the players are a bit relieved. Everybody suddenly sees that things are much more open."
Federer also needs one more Grand Slam title to equal the record set by American legend Pete Sampras.
The five-time reigning U.S. Open champion Federer's quarterfinal opponent will be the athletic Monfils, who lost to the super Swiss in the semifinals here a year ago.
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SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
As I said yesterday, folks, I think we will be watching history at this year’s French Open.