The late start was not uncharted territory for the 16-time Grand Slam champion. “It's happened a few times in my career where we waited around forever and I was able to play one of those clean, quick matches,” said Federer after defeating Rochus. “But, still, I prefer it not to happen every night.”
A two-time Sony Ericsson Open champion, Federer was pleased with his overall performance against the Belgian, whom he now owns an 8-0 record against.
“I really was able to hit freely tonight and play with great variation, and I think that really kept him guessing... Today I just didn't allow him to play because I was playing too offensive[ly],” Federer said.
“Everything worked the way I wanted it or hoped it to work, because I've played tough matches against him. I should have lost maybe two out of those eight now we've played. So I knew the danger of Olivier, and we know each other so well. He can find a way into the match and then make you doubt and find your weakness and so forth.”
Despite the delayed start, a number of fans hung around to support the World No. 3 and Federer certainly made note of it during the match.
“It's nice to see fans actually stuck around. It's a big thank you to them, because I really expected them to leave after the first set or just not be around at all anymore when we came out.”
Roger's opponent in Thursday's quarter-final will be France's Gilles Simon.
Date: 30.03.2011, Source: ATP
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