rogerfederer.com - Roger out after two tie-breaks

Roger out after two tie-breaks

Unfortunately Roger's hopes of winning his first Rome Masters in 2008 are over after his loss against Radek Stepanek in the quarter finals: 6-7(4), 6-7(2).

The first set went to a tie-break, which Stepanek rallied to take 7-4 after a shaky start which saw him go 2-0 down. The 29-year-old broke Roger early in the second set and established a 4-1 lead only for our star to break back. Stepanek did not let that setback affect his rhythm and again broke Roger's serve in the eighth game to earn the opportunity to serve for the match, but again our five-time Wimbledon champion fought back to deny him and take the set to a tie-break. Roger looked to be in control when he went 4-1 up but it was Stepanek's turn to battle back and close it out 9-7.

Next up for Roger is the tournament in Hamburg (Germany), starting next week. It is the last event leading up to the French Open in Paris on Mai 25th.