Federer on the warpath in Rome

Roger Federer had an opportunity to avenge his loss to Radek Stepanek during the 2008 Rome Masters on Thursday, defeating the Czech player 6-4, 6-1 in a 3rd round rematch at the 2009 Rome Masters.

The fluent win was welcomed by Federer, who is looking to reverse a steep decline in his career by winning his first ever Masters title on the clay courts of Rome.

“This year was very different. I could read his first serve,” Federer told the BBC after the match. “I didn’t have a problem to attack his serve, whereas last year I was just trying to get the ball into play and then obviously he was able to mix it up and make me doubt much more.”

“I had the control from the baseline. I’m really happy with the performance today. It’s just important that I work hard and get back to my best. I know I’m very close to it.”

Federer was joined in the last eight by world number three, Novak Djokovic, who also put in a much improved performance to demolish Tommy Robredo 6-1, 6-1 in the third round.

Rafael Nadal hardly broke a sweat as he secured a place in the quarterfinals of the 2009 Rome Masters, defeating Robin Soderling of Sweden 6-1, 6-0.