Roger Federer lost in Rome semifinal

Roger's quest for back-to-back claycourt titles was ended by a 2-6, 6-7(4) defeat in the semi-final in Rome against Novak Djokovic.

Roger was broken twice in the opening set in their first encounter since the US Open last year. Roger was constantly under pressure and could not keep up with Djokovic's pace in the rallies. After falling a break back in the second set as well, Roger started to play more aggressively, varying his game and broke back after saving a match point. But in the following tie-break, Djokovic made the crucial points to win the match and book a spot in the final against Rafael Nadal.

Federer said he was feeling tired having won the title in Madrid last weekend but admitted he had been outplayed.

"I thought he played very, very well," he said. "He's not the number one in the world for no reason."

"I had a couple of chances in the second set but couldn't take them."

"But I would have taken my results from these two weeks, so I am very happy going into Paris."

"The love showed by the crowd to Roger Federer on today's match is priceless & unforgettable." said Pete Sampras.

Date: 20.05.2012, Source: RF Official & Reuters

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Federer sets Djokovic SF clash

World No. 2 Roger Federer set a semi-final showdown with top-ranked Novak Djokovic at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Friday, breezing past Andreas Seppi 6-1, 6-2 in Rome. Federer and Djokovic will face off for the first time since the 2011 US Open final four, when Djokovic saved two match points to edge the 16-time major champion in five sets.

Playing Seppi for the ninth time, Federer converted four of his eight break point opportunities, and hit 81 per cent of his first serves in play to remain undefeated against the Italian, advancing in just 54 minutes.

"I was happy with everything," stated Federer. "I knew Seppi being a favourite for the fans here was going to be a tough match. I was able to really take it to him right from the start, being aggressive, and it all played out. It's a nice win on clay for me."

The Swiss, coming off a triumph at the Mutua Madrid Open last week (d. Berdych), is bidding to lift his fifth trophy of the season, following successes in Rotterdam (d. del Potro), Dubai (d. Murray), Indian Wells (d. Isner) and Madrid.

The 30-year-old Federer holds a 14-10 record against Djokovic, but has dropped four of their past five encounters. Federer is 3-1 versus the Serbian on clay, having ended Djokovic 43-match win streak last year in the Roland Garros semi-finals.

"Tomorrow, I've got a chance against Djokovic," Federer said. "I'm looking forward to that match. It's another night session. I'm happy I'm playing so well on the court."

Date: 19.05.2012, Source: ATP

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Quarter final in Rome

Roger won his third round match against Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals in Rome.

Roger managed his first break in the opening set in game number 6. After that, it was a one-sided show in favour of our champion. But after clearly taking the first set, Roger faced a more aggressive Ferrero in the second, as Roger lost a bit of his sharpness and committig a string of unforced errors in the midsection of the set. The two players held serve until the Spaniard finally broke to move 6-5 up and later take the set. Roger then flipped the swith for the decider, grabbing a break in the second game and another one in game number six to book his spot in the round of the last eight.

Roger will play Andrea Seppi in quarter final.

Date: 18.05.2012, Source: RF Official

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Blue or Red, result is same for Federer

Roger Federer began his quest to win the Internazionali BNL d’Italia for the first time with a confident 6-4, 6-3 victory over Argentine Carlos Berlocq Wednesday in Rome. Federer, who last week won a record-tying 20th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title on blue clay in Madrid, will next face fellow former World No. 1 and 2001 Rome champion Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Federer dropped just six points on his first serve and was broken once in the 70-minute match.

"I only decided today to play here after practise this morning," said Fereder, whose win in Madrid took him to 74 ATP titles.

"I wanted to see how I felt and that nothing major was bothering me. I'm happy I felt good out there, but I'm going round-by-round."

"We are ahead of a long summer, this is the start of many events in a row and potentially a lot of five-setters. I needed to make sure that I took a good decision."

The Swiss entered Rome at No. 2 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, having overtaken Rafael Nadal following his triumph at the Mutua Madrid Open. "I have a good win under my belt and I might be No. 3 next week, but that doesn't matter for me and Rafa," he said. "I know it is an interesting time right now and that there is a lot to talk about rankings. I know that I have a shot until the US Open with the No. 1 ATP Rankings and you will see."

Federer is on the hunt for his first Rome title after losing the 2003 and 2006 finals. The Swiss great never allowed Berlocq a look in as charged out by winning the first dozen points of the contest.
He said that making the quick-change from the speed of a Madrid clay court to the slower one in Rome is always a test.

"You have to make adjustments. Guys can stand way behind the service line here and you have to watch your returns. It changes the whole playing style from the baseline and how points are constructed."

Date: 16.05.2012, Source: AFP & ATP

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