Federer seeks first Rome title, opens with Berlocq
5/15/12 8:10 PM | Ricky Dimon
Roger Federer, who has never triumphed in Rome, will kick off his week against Carlos Berlocq on Wednesday. The winner heads toward a third-round meeting with Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Three days after capturing the Madrid title, Roger Federer will be back in action at the Internazionli BNL d'Italia. Following a first-round bye in Rome as the No. 3 seed, Federer is set to face Carlos Berlocq for the first time in his career on Wednesday afternoon.
Berlocq advanced to the second round with a 6-1, 6-3 blowout of Blaz Kavcic on Monday. The 38th-ranked Argentine is in the midst of his best year on tour and he has a 16-11 record to show for his efforts. Highlights include a runner-up finish in Vina del Mar in addition to four other quarterfinal appearances.
Federer has climbed to No. 2 in the world--surpassing Rafael Nadal--thanks to an outstanding start to his season. The 30-year-old Swiss is 28-3 and he already owns four titles (Rotterdam, Dubai, Indian Wells, and Madrid).
"We'll see how I feel over the next few days," Federer said after winning Madrid when asked about his possible Rome participation. "It's been a tough week. (My body) does hurt a bit so I just have to make sure I make the right decision. I hope I can play."
A motivated Federer confirmed on Tuesday that he would play, and that is bad news for Berlocq. The underdog is never one to go down without a fight, but Federer is too good right now and should cruise in straight sets.
Federer seeks first Rome title, opens with Berlocq
5/15/12 8:10 PM | Ricky Dimon
Roger Federer, who has never triumphed in Rome, will kick off his week against Carlos Berlocq on Wednesday. The winner heads toward a third-round meeting with Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Three days after capturing the Madrid title, Roger Federer will be back in action at the Internazionli BNL d'Italia. Following a first-round bye in Rome as the No. 3 seed, Federer is set to face Carlos Berlocq for the first time in his career on Wednesday afternoon.
Berlocq advanced to the second round with a 6-1, 6-3 blowout of Blaz Kavcic on Monday. The 38th-ranked Argentine is in the midst of his best year on tour and he has a 16-11 record to show for his efforts. Highlights include a runner-up finish in Vina del Mar in addition to four other quarterfinal appearances.
Federer has climbed to No. 2 in the world--surpassing Rafael Nadal--thanks to an outstanding start to his season. The 30-year-old Swiss is 28-3 and he already owns four titles (Rotterdam, Dubai, Indian Wells, and Madrid).
"We'll see how I feel over the next few days," Federer said after winning Madrid when asked about his possible Rome participation. "It's been a tough week. (My body) does hurt a bit so I just have to make sure I make the right decision. I hope I can play."
A motivated Federer confirmed on Tuesday that he would play, and that is bad news for Berlocq. The underdog is never one to go down without a fight, but Federer is too good right now and should cruise in straight sets.
