rogerfederer.com - Roger races to victory

Roger races to victory

Roger regained his winning touch after his surprise second round defeat at last week's Pacific Life Open, easing past Sam Querrey (USA) 6-4, 6-3 at the Sony Ericsson Open.

Roger, playing the event for the ninth straight time, improved to 25-6 in Miami, having won the last two titles and 12 matches. Roger was forced to wait until the seventh game of the first set to convert his sixth break opportunity against the spirited teenager. The break proved crucial as Roger grabbed a 4-3 lead before serving out the set to claim a one set advantage. He capitalised on Querrey's below-par serve to take the second following a break at 2-2, Querrey soon handing the match to Roger with his seventh double fault.

Golfing great Tiger Woods, also playing in Miami this weekend, greeted Roger in the players' lounge before taking his seat in the stadium to watch the delayed match (starting time: 22.15 due to rain). "I'm happy he comes out during a tournament," Roger said. "I went out to see his practice and it's great that he comes to watch tennis. It's a great honour for our sport."

In round three, Roger will either meet Nicolas Almagro (ESP/29) or Potito Starace (ITA/91). The match between the two had to be postponed due to rain. Our star's last defeat in Miami came against the then number 34-ranked Rafael Nadal of Spain, now his main rival.

Tiger Woods is playing a tournament of similar importance in Miami (Doral) and will start his final round on Sunday with a four-stroke lead.