Federer Defeats Fognini at Paris Masters – After receiving a walkover from Milos Raonic (right elbow injury) in his second round match, Roger Federer started his quest for career title #100 Thursday evening in Paris. The Swiss maestro defeated thirteenth seed Fabio Fognini 6-4 6-3 to reach the Paris Masters quarterfinals. He has moved into the last eight at the ATP Masters 1000 event for the fifth time in his past six appearances. The 2011 Paris Masters champion served eight aces to two double faults. His first serve percentage remained low, as it has been both in Basel and Shanghai recently. The 37-year-old Swiss put just 50% of his first serves into play, but won 81% of points on his first serve, and saved four of five break points faced. He converted four of seven break point opportunities over the course of the 1 hour 13 minute match. Federer will face Kei Nishikori next, in Friday night’s quarterfinal.
“I think both of us were far from our best, but we fought with what we had and at the end I think I maybe served a bit better in the important moments than Fabio did. Off the baseline, it was tough. He takes the ball early and can really redirect really well. But I’m very happy because it means I’m moving on in the tournament.”
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“It’s different altitude to Basel. I think the balls aren’t the same, and it’s just hard to find the zones consistently time and time again. I hope it’s just going to be a touch better tomorrow again. I think the rhythm is important and how you back up that serve, for me, that’s always key,” Federer said. “Today was okay and then it went off a few times and then it came back again so it’s a good match for me to analyse.”