rogerfederer.com - Roger battles into quarters

Roger battles into quarters

Roger got by Thomaz Bellucci 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to book a spot in the quarters in Indian Wells.

"These are the wins that sort of almost feel better, to be quite honest, because when you're playing great, it's simple, it's easy, right?" But when it's not going your way and things are difficult, that's kind of the good wins," Roger said.

For the second day in a row, he dropped the opening set but he then broke Bellucci in the first and ninth games of the second to level the match. The final set went with serve until Roger broke the 50th-ranked Brazilian in the 10th game, converting his second match point when the left-hander hit a forehand long.

It was Roger's 74th consecutive victory against a player outside the top 20, and he has won 36 of 38 matches since the US Open. After a well deserved rest today he will play either Juan Martin del Potro or Denis Istomin on Friday.