TIL Desk Sports/ World number two Roger Federer, bidding for his eighth Cincinnati Masters title, outlasted Leonardo Mayer of Argentina 6-1, 7-6(6) in the third round on Friday. Playing in his first tournament since Wimbledon, Swiss Federer lost just four first-serve points and did not face a break point in the match.
Mayer had a chance to force a third set, but Federer held on to win his third consecutive meeting with the Argentine as players double up in matches in the rain-delayed tournament. Federer will face compatriot Stan Wawrinka in the quarter-finals later on Friday. Wawrinka beat Marton Fucsovics of Hungary 6-4, 6-3 in their third-round match.
“It’s been a while since I’ve played two matches in one day. Apparently it was 2004,” Federer told. “I did play a lot of practice twice a day so if I won’t be ready for today, I’ll never be ready.”Playing against Stan obviously is a treat. Ten years ago and two days ago we won the Olympic gold together and we’re still playing… I’m very excited to play against him and it’s great for him, I’m happy to see him back again.” Mayer’s compatriot Juan Martin del Potro and Serb Novak Djokovic also advanced.
