rogerfederer.com - Roger needs 3 sets

Roger needs 3 sets

Roger struggled to beat qualifier Juan Monaco 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 today in order to reach the third round of the Hamburg Masters.

"It was a hard fought win but maybe that was just what I needed," he said after the match. "I've spent more time on the practice courts than in matches lately and I need to pick up as many wins as possible now going into the French Open." Roger has won the Hamburg Masters, a tune-up for the French Open, in three of his last four visits.

Our star started well but then saw his footwork desert him in the second set, as the Argentine took control. Crucially, Roger was able to save five break points to avoid going 2-0 down in the second set and, while the unforced errors kept on coming, he just managed to stay out of trouble. He forced a break point almost by force of will for 5-4 in the decider, turning a desperate save into a winner down the line, and Monaco conceded defeat when he let a backhand drift wide on the first match point.

Roger will now face either Marat Safin or Juan Carlos Ferrero – both former world number ones - in the third round.