Roger Federer overcame rust and 18-year-old Taylor Fritz in his first match in about a month, and his first match in Stuttgart, moving into the quarterfinals at the 2016 Mercedes Cup. The Swiss maestro lead 4-3 in the first set Wednesday when rain suspended the match and eventually play for the day. Upon returning Thursday afternoon, Federer took the opening set 6-4. The young American held his composure and surprised many in winning the second set, as well as staying even deep into the third set.
Roger Federer 2016 Mercedes Cup Nike Outfit
The 34-year-old Swiss broke at 4-all from down 40-15, and then comfortably served out the match, whipping a backhand winner cross court for a 6-4 5-7 6-4 victory. It is just his twelfth victory in 2016, a season with inconsistent play due to knee surgery and a back issue.
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“It wasn’t easy,” said Federer. “I thought Fritz had some good moments there. He gained control of the baseline, he had a little bit of an upper-hand at times. He served well and I was a little bit cautious, unsure of how to move and questioning my defence. These are the things I will need to iron out.”
“I can take a lot of confidence out of this match. I need to improve a few things, but I served big and I was able to handle three sets over two days, and find some energy at the end of the match. I know I have an extra gear. My next goal is to stretch leads – once I get a lead, I need to know that I can protect it and then take the next step.”
The win draws Federer level with Ivan Lendl at 1,071 career wins, second most all-time. The Swiss will face Florian Mayer in Friday’s quarterfinals, not before 2:00 p.m. local time.
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Federer Wins Stuttgart Opener, Ties Lendl at 1071 Career Wins
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Source: ATP World Tour
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