Rome, May 09: Swiss star Roger Federer defeated Spain's Tommy Robredo 6-1 6-1 yesterday to reach the quarterfinals of the US$2.75 million Italian Open.
The fourth-seeded Federer got off to a blistering start, taking the first set in just 19 minutes with his usual arsenal of serve-and-volleying, wily baseline play and effective returns. The 19th-ranked Robredo did not play poorly - making just as many unforced errors (13) as his opponent - Federer just seemed to be making any shot he wanted to.

Federer notched his third consecutive straight-set victory at this clay-court tuneup for the French Open, extending his leading match victory total this season to 34. "I felt good on the returns, tried to keep the rallies short on my own service games," he said. "It worked so perfectly I didn't have to change anything. I had the perfect game plan."



Federer is aiming for his fourth title of the year and second in two weeks after capturing the trophy in Munich on Sunday.



"Since Miami, I haven't lost a set in Davis Cup, Munich and here now," Federer said, referring to his last loss in March. "I'm surprising myself every time I win so easy."



With the match finished in just 49 minutes, many fans had not yet arrived on an overcast day at Foro Italico.



Federer will face either Italian wild card Filippo Volandri or Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic in the quarters.


Bureau Report