Roger Federer Through to Quarterfinals 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

Written by: Staff on 14th March 2012

Roger Federer Through to Quarterfinals 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 |

Indian Wells, CA – Roger Federer had to battle back from a set down for the second time in two days to advance to the quarterfinals 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. His opponent, Thomaz Bellucci put up stern opposition posting big serves upwards of 120mph and heavy left-handed forehands for the duration of their match. Bellucci, who was up a set and a break on Djokovic last year in the Madrid semifinals, is known on tour to have a very solid and big game from the back court.

Federer remarked about Bellucci: “He’s a great player. And for me, it was really difficult out there. I’m really relieved I came through, but I was impressed by his play.”

Bellucci didn’t face a single break point in the first set and won 85% of his points when he got his first serve in. He broke Federer twice, once early on at 1-1all, then again to take the first set. Federer didn’t find his rhythm until the second set started. But just like last night against Raonic, Federer broke in the first game of the set and didn’t look back. He broke again to win the second set in an incredible display of offense and then defense in the form of a backhand lob that somehow found its way over Bellucci’s head and landed deep in no-man’s land. The crowd erupted to their feet, cheering on Federer for his efforts.

The third set was a nail-biting affair. Federer had an opening at 2-3, but Bellucci served his way out of trouble. At 4all, Bellucci had his only chance in the set as he found himself up 30-0 on the Federer serve. Everyone inside Stadium 1 held their breath as they witnessed Federer serve an ace, then three more unreturnable serves to give him a 5-4 lead. Federer then did a great job returning Bellucci’s serves and then mounted his attack towards the Bellucci bakhand. The moment and the pressure got to Bellucci as his stroke began to falter. Federer needed two match points before sealing the deal when he got Bellucci on the run and his forehand on the run flew just long. Game, set, match, Federer and the crowd was on their feet again. Federer said it best in terms of how difficult a match it was today against Bellucci:

“At the end of the day, these are the wins that sort of almost feel better, to be quite honest, because when you’re playing great, it’s simple, it’s easy, right?”

Federer now has a day off before his quarterfinal encounter with either Juan Martin del Potro or Denis Istomin.