Monte Carlo Site
April 14, 2024
Playing his first clay court tournament of the year, top seed Roger Federer continued his quest for his first Masters Series Monte-Carlo title when he defeated Chilean Fernando Gonzalez 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-4 to move into the quarterfinals. Federer served for the match at 5-3 in the second set but ultimately was forced to toil for 2 hours, 21 minutes. The Swiss is looking to become the first player in ATP Masters Series history (since 1990) to win three consecutive ATP Masters Series titles.
The 2002 and 2003 Monte Carlo champion Juan Carlos Ferrero returned to top form in order to take out the No. 2 seed Marat Safin 6-2, 6-4. The Spaniard will be making his first appearance in a quarterfinal since last year's tournament in Valencia.
Federer will face French qualifier Richard Gasquet who also moved into the quarterfinals after fending off No. 10 seed Nikolay Davydenko in a tough 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 battle.
2004 Roland Garros champion Gaston Gaudio breezed into the quarterfinals with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Victor Hanescu. Hanescu had only one opportunity to break the Argentine's serve and couldn't convert, allowing Gaudio to close out the match in just 55 minutes.
Spanish teenager Rafael Nadal broke Oliver Rochus six times en route to a 6-1, 6-2 victory. The No. 11 seed is hoping to claim his third clay court title of the season (Costa do Sauipe, Acapulco) and will face Gaston Gaudio in what should be a highly competitive quarterfinal.
The defending champion Guillermo Coria was also successful on day four of competition. The Argentine didn't give up a single point in the first set tie-break and cruised in the second set earning the 7-6(0), 6-1 victory. He will now face Spaniard David Ferrer who was down a set before his opponent, Mariano Zabaleta, was forced to retire due to a foot injury.
Italian Filippo Volandri engaged in a thrilling 6-7(6), 7-6(3), 6-4 battle with Mariano Puerta. Volandri avenged his semifinal loss to Puerta last week in Casablanca and will now face two-time champion Juan Carlos Ferrero.
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