By Araz Gulekjian, Rolandgarros.com
May 25, 2024
Top-seeded Roger Federer and Spanish top-gun Rafael Nadal steamrolled their opponents on Wednesday, booking safe passage into round three with convincing displays.
The 23-year-old Swiss stylist routed Spain's Nicolas Almagro 6-3, 7-6 (0), 6-2, while fourth seed Rafael Nadal outran and out-punched Belgium's Xavier Malisse 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 to post his 19th win on the trot.
The 18-year-old Spanish southpaw, playing in his first Roland Garros, is looking to emulate Swedish great Mats Wilander who clinched the title on his French Open bow in 1982, while Federer vows to add the Roland Garros crown, the only Grand Slam that has eluded him so far, to his trophy cabinet.
"The conditions were different today," Federer said. "We have less space on this court (Suzanne Lenglen) than on Centre Court. But it has not changed anything for me. I am happy to be through. I saved energy by winning my two first matches in three sets. "
" I don't consider myself as the big, big favourite of the tournament," he added of his chances of capturing the title. "But I certainly am a favourite along with Coria, Nadal, Gaudio and Nalbandian. Nadal is maybe more dangerous than the rest even though it's his first Roland Garros."
Federer raced out of the box and broke the 19-year-old Spaniard in the fourth game to lead 4-1. Known for his terrier-like retrievals, the Spanish baseliner was never able to find any consistency as he littered the court with 16 unforced errors in the opening set.
Federer played exquisitely, mixing up his game and employing his feel for the ball to derail his opponent. The Swiss was cruising and looked as if he was about to take a commanding two sets to love lead after breaking his opponent in the 9th game. But the 76-ranked Almagro broke right back with two amazing winners and reeled off two straight games to go up 6-5.
Federer firmed up his game at crunch times and dominated the tie-breaker before securing the win in a lopsided third set triumph.
The Swiss now meets Chilean Olympic doubles gold medalist Fernando Gonzalez, who defeated Tomas Behrend 6-3 6-4 6-4 Wednesday evening.
On Court Philippe Chatrier, the Mallorca-born Nadal, with his boyish good looks, strapping frame and warrior's heart, stood strong right from the outset. He broke Malisse twice (third and seventh games) and served out the opener when the 24-year-old Belgian dumped a forehand into the net.
Nothing seemed to penetrate the Spaniard's invincible armor on the red dirt. Once again, the muscular Nadal, wearing a green sleeveless shirt and playing in his now customary three-quarter length trousers, pummeled his opponent with a wondrous display of shot making. The youngster completely unsettled the 46-ranked Malisse with his powerful forehand spins and impressive court coverage.
Racquet slamming Malisse, prone to what has now become legendary outbursts, couldn't match the intensity of his opponent despite a late surge in the third set where he saved two match points before conceding defeat on the third.
Nadal is now slated to meet French rising star Richard Gasquet in a mouth-watering third-round clash.
"It's going to be a tough match," Nadal said of the upcoming battle. "We have the same age. We played in Monte Carlo. Clearly, he is in top shape. He has a great backhand and his game is well-rounded."
" His fans are going to be out there," added the teenaged sensation. "But you have to overcome that pressure. I'm going to play my game. If he plays better and win, that's fine. I'll just go home."
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