Playing after a quick turnaround from Tuesday night’s three set win over big serving Milos Raonic, the Swiss maestro was playing in the day session Wednesday against another unfamiliar opponent. This time, the lefty Thomaz Bellucci. In a match finishing under the lights, Federer overcame struggles early on and a one set deficit to defeat Bellucci, 3-6 6-3 6-4. Things looked brim late in the third set at 4 all, when Federer fell love 30. Four serves later, it was a 5-4 lead. Minutes later, he clinched victory on his second match point, after 1 hour 40 minutes. His next opponent will be either Juan Martin Del Potro or Denis Istomin in the BNP Paribas Open quarterfinals on Friday.
Federer spoke afterwards about his comeback.
“I struggled early on making the transition from day to night,” said Federer, a three-time champion in Indian Wells.
The Swiss maestro has also been dealing with illness this week, which he confirmed is not because of the virus which quickly spread around the Indian Wells area few days ago. He stated he and his family have been sick before they arrived at the tournament. Several players have been hit and forced to withdraw due to the virus which has hit the area.
Highlights.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9GxXMV_FmQ
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