Benneteau Hoping For Consecutive Wins Over Federer

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 31st May 2013

French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros

Benneteau Hoping For Consecutive Wins Over Federer

epa03722696 Julien Benneteau of France in action during his second round match against Tobias Kamke of Germany at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, 29 May 2013. EPA/YOAN VALAT |

Julien Benneteau can only dream of a repeat win over Roger Federer when he faces the second seed in the third round at Roland Garros. It was only three months ago indoors in Rotterdam that the Frenchman upset the Swiss, his second win in their six-match series.

But on the big stage in Paris, in a showcase match sure to be on the Chatrier court, the situation will be entirely different. The No.32 who struggled with serving pain in his previous win over Tobias Kamke is wisely keeping his expectations low.

“I’m in the next round and that’s good in and of itself. Playing Federer on the centre court at Roland Garros is obviously pretty tricky. He’s breezed through his first two rounds (wins over qualifiers).

“To beat him before the quarter-finals, you’re going to have to really ramp up a gear. I’ve already beaten him and I fought him in a Grand Slam tournament (five sets, Wimbledon 2012). I’m going to give my all like I did today and hope to produce the best exploit in my career.”

Federer says the match will be his first true test of the week. “He makes it difficult for me, I have to find solutions. I like that kind of challenge. I’m looking forward to it. It’s never easy against him, so we’ll see this time what happens.”