Federer moves into Rome third round

Roger Federer defeated Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas for the second time this month as the Swiss legend began his campaign at the Italian Open with a 7-6(3), 6-4 win on Wednesday.

The second-round success in 81 minutes came just over a week after Federer beat the Uruguayan on clay in the final in Istanbul.

Federer was tested all the way by Cuevas, ranked 24th in the world, with the second seeded 33-year-old winning a tiebreak to seal the opening set in 45 minutes.

A break for 3-2 in the second gave Federer - seeking his first title in Rome after losing three times in the final in 14 previous appearances - the lead which he never surrendered.

"I know I'm not the favourite like I've been in other years for the title here - but who cares, really?," said Federer.

"I was focusing on getting through this round and I'm happy I won it. I lost last week in Madrid (to Australia's Nick Kyrgios) and here a year ago holding match points both times.

"So right now I'm glad to go through. It was nice to get the victory tonight."

Date: 13th May 2015, Source: AFP